Cambodia is moving ahead with reforms aimed at strengthening regulation, investment and service delivery in the clean water sector, Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister Hem Vanndy said during a meeting with a World Bank delegation yesterday.

The delegation was led by Michael Webster, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Water Global Practice for East Asia and Pacific, and included World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia Tania Meyer and senior water specialists.

Discussions focused on establishing a dedicated water supply regulator, advancing the Cambodia Water Security Compact and accelerating implementation of World Bank-supported water supply projects.

Vanndy said the planned regulator should be fully equipped to function from the outset, with the necessary legal framework, procedures, resources and technical capacity already in place.

“The establishment of the regulator needs to be supported by clear procedures, adequate resources and the necessary institutional capacity so that it can operate effectively from day one,” Minister Vanndy said.

He stressed that water regulation must balance affordability and public-service objectives with the financial sustainability of operators, allowing them to maintain service quality and continue investing in network expansion.

The minister also highlighted changing demands on water infrastructure as industrial zones, special economic zones and other investments develop in new locations.

Over the past two years, Cambodia has been adding around 130,000 new water connections annually, supported by approaches including more flexible connection-payment arrangements for households.

Webster said the World Bank sees strong potential to deepen cooperation with Cambodia through the Water Security Compact, including on institutional reform, investment and implementation of priority water projects.

“Cambodia is the frontrunner in the Water Forward, and we think it’s a major opportunity,” Webster said. “Your decision to reform the regulator for the country is a very bold move.”

The World Bank expressed readiness to continue technical assistance on regulatory design, legislation and capacity development, while working with MISTI to accelerate ongoing water supply investments.

Both sides also reviewed progress under the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project and the Water Supply and Sanitation Acceleration Project, with MISTI intensifying coordination and project implementation to keep priority works on track.

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