The Phnom Penh Water Authority (PPWSA) and Vinci Construction Grands Projets (VCGP) signed a $103.3 million contract yesterday for the design and construction of the third drinking water treatment plant in Bakheng.
This is in line with PPWSA's revised third master plan (2022-2030), which projects a water demand of 1.4 millionm3/day in Phnom Penh by 2030. This contract is a component of the 'Bakheng phase 3' project. The project was signed in January 2024 between the Agence française de Développement (AFD) and the Royal Government of Cambodia, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The Bakheng drinking water treatment plant will become the largest plant operated by PPWSA and one of the largest in the region, with a capacity of 600,000m3 of water per day, once all three phases of the project are completed.
The contract entails building a new water intake, treatment plant, main transmission network, and ancillary equipment. Construction is set to commence in H2 2024 and conclude in 2027. This will aid in achieving universal access to drinking water for the entire population of Phnom Penh and its outskirts.
At the ceremony, French Ambassador Jacques Pellet stated that this project exemplifies the longstanding cooperation and trust between France and Cambodia. The project combines the expertise of French companies with the commitment of AFD and demonstrates Team Europe's dedication to the country as part of the Global Gateway strategy. The project combines the expertise of French companies with the commitment of AFD and demonstrates Team Europe's dedication to the country as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
France is a major contributor to providing access to water and sanitation for all populations in Cambodia, while also ensuring sustainable management of water resources in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
