France and Europe: Engines of Change for Universal Access to Drinking Water in Cambodia

At Phnom Penh, a major transformation is underway in the drinking-water sector, driven by exemplary and structuring French-European partnerships. Under the impetus of France — long recognized as a world leader in hydraulic expertise and sustainable urban development — cooperation with Cambodia is accelerating access to quality water for everyone.

On 29 November 2025, a high-level delegation composed of Mr. Olivier Richard, Ambassador of France to Cambodia; Ms. Sandrine Boucher, director of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Cambodia; and Mr. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union (EU), met with H.E. Mr. Long Naro, Director-General of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). This official visit to the Bakheng plant marks a symbolic milestone in the modernization of Cambodia's water-sector infrastructure and governance.

The Bakheng plant: a flagship project serving the population

The Bakheng Water Supply Project, now in its third phase, represents the largest drinking-water treatment installation in Cambodia. It aims to guarantee the security and sustainability of water supply for more than two million residents of Phnom Penh.

Supported by joint financing from AFD, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union, this initiative illustrates the complementarity and effectiveness of the France–Europe collaboration. According to AFD, between 2018 and 2025, France — through AFD — mobilized nearly €100 million to support hydraulic projects in Cambodia, of which Bakheng is the flagship. The EIB and the EU added respectively €85 million and €13 million in grants and loans to strengthen the impact and sustainability of the program.

French industrial expertise and know-how

This transformation project mobilizes several French companies recognized for civil engineering and water management. Leaders such as Safege/Suez Consulting (engineering and consulting), Vinci Construction Grands Projets (construction), Saint-Gobain PAM (materials and piping), and Bayard (hydraulic equipment) play a central role in the realization and maintenance of the infrastructures. Their involvement ensures compliance with the best international standards, with an approach tailored to the tropical and urban challenges specific to Phnom Penh.

France also makes a difference on the training and skills transfer side. An ambitious partnership between French universities and schools (including the Université de Montpellier and the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM Paris)) and PPWSA is planning to upgrade the skills of Cambodian teams, from the technical level all the way to strategic management.

These professional training initiatives are part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and part of Cambodia’s long-term ambition to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — notably SDG 6: “Clean Water and Sanitation.”

Towards universal and sustainable access

Thanks to this project, Phnom Penh now shows drinking-water coverage rates exceeding 90%, compared with less than 55% ten years ago (according to PPWSA, 2024 annual report). At the same time, responsible resource management, reduction of network losses, and technological innovation — supported by French and European partners — are opening the way to a model of governance exemplary for the whole country.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the network expansion strategy allows anticipating rapid urban growth while preserving environmental quality and resilience to climate change. Cambodia aims for universal access to drinking water by 2030 — a goal now within reach thanks to the momentum driven by France and its European partners.

A trusting partnership for the future

The success of the Bakheng project illustrates the unwavering commitment of France as a key partner of Cambodia for drinking water. The coordinated action with Europe demonstrates that international solidarity — combining innovation, financing, and training — can sustainably transform the lives of millions of citizens. By investing in governance, technology and skills, France and Europe support Cambodia toward a future where access to safe drinking water becomes a reality for all.