Press Release

Cambodia adopts wastewater system guideline developed with GGGI and GIZ

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 10 January 2019. A “Guideline on Wastewater System Operation and Maintenance” was formally launched before more than 300 civil servants participating in the annual conference of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). The guideline, jointly developed by GGGI, GIZ and MPWT, offers detailed technical information on topics such as inspection, cleaning, repairing, monitoring, sampling and testing techniques required for the efficient operation of different wastewater management systems. Ms. Karolien Casaer-Diez, GGGI Country Representative, was invited to formally hand over the Guideline to H.E. Chanthol Sun, Senior Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

“I would like to thank the Global Green Growth Institute and GIZ for preparing this comprehensive document which will be a useful guide to anyone involved in wastewater management in Cambodia,” stated the Minister. The Minister expressed his appreciation for a Guideline offering technical instructions and know-how to improve and strengthen wastewater infrastructure and systems. H.E. Heng Rathpiseth, Director-General of the General Departments of Public Works, recognized GGGI as a key partner for the MPWT’s Sewerage Management and Construction Department, providing advisory support and technical assistance in the field of urban wastewater and sanitation.

Cambodia faces significant challenges with regard to wastewater management, including minimal sewerage coverage and low connection rates to sewerage outside of the core urban areas of Phnom Penh, as well as low technical awareness on wastewater solutions. This results in the direct discharge of wastewater into the environment without being treated, causing significant pollution and health hazards.

GGGI underscores that developing sanitation systems does not only require infrastructure but also well-established business models, community education, technical know-how,  regulatory oversight and correct operation and maintenance. The guidelines were developed for this purpose, in Khmer and English, and will be disseminated to all provincial departments in the country.

GGGI is engaged in urban sanitation in Cambodia throughout. The organization provides capacity development and regulatory advice to MPWT. In Siem Reap, GGGI is developing business models for fecal sludge management in order to strengthen the viability of upcoming sanitation infrastructure investments in the city. In other cities, GGGI is working with MPWT to identify sites and business models for climate resilient, decentralized wastewater management systems targeting peri-urban areas and vulnerable communities.

About Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote green growth. The organization partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly, are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. To learn more about GGGI, see www.gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact Details:

Name: Karolien Casaer-Diez

Title: Country Representative, Cambodia

Global Green Growth Institute

Email: Karolien.Casaer@gggi.org