Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a $90 million Takhmao City wastewater treatment system development project in Kandal province, stating that the project would bring “numerous benefits to the community, particularly in terms of public health and environmental protection”.
The Takhmao City wastewater treatment system development project is funded through a concessional loan from the Government of the Republic of Korea.
Speaking on the significance of the wastewater treatment project, Mr Hun Manet said, “The wastewater treatment system development project aims to reduce the risk of infection and safeguard the environment, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the people—especially those living in and around Takhmao City.”
Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Park Jung-Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, members of the Senate, the National Assembly, ministers, distinguished national and international guests, and a large turnout of local residents attended the ceremony.
The project is backed by Korean concessional financing, underscoring close ties between the two nations.
The Premier extended thanks to the people and government of South Korea for their role in Cambodia’s development across many sectors, including “investment, trade, tourism, education, health, employment, and infrastructure”.
He also highlighted Korea’s role in providing “employment opportunities under fair and reliable conditions to many Cambodian workers”.
Emphasizing the importance of the 28-year relationship between the two countries, Mr Hun Manet said, “The Cambodian-South Korean partnership, which former Prime Minister Hun Sen worked diligently to re-establish, has delivered substantial benefits to the nation and its people.”
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Aligning with Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals, he affirmed, “The Royal Government has set a target to reduce the discharge of untreated or improperly treated wastewater into public water bodies including the sea, rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs by 50 percent by 2030. This goal will be pursued through the implementation of comprehensive and innovative wastewater treatment systems.”
Mr Hun Manet directed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to collaborate with ministries, local authorities, and development partners to advance the study and development of a master plan for wastewater treatment systems in cities and large towns, ensuring alignment with ongoing infrastructure development.
He urged Kumho-Techcross, the main contractor, and Dohwa-Seoyoung, the supervising firm, to uphold high construction and supervision standards: “Adhere strictly to technical standards and ensure quality construction and oversight.” He also called for “understanding and patience from citizens affected by the construction project.”
Minister Peng Ponea detailed the project’s scope, saying, “The wastewater treatment system development project in Takhmao City, financed through a concessional loan from the Government of the Republic of Korea, will be implemented by the Kumho-Techcross and technically supervised by Dohwa-Seoyoung. The project has a total contract value of over $90 million, with a construction period of 36 months and scheduled completion in 2027.”
A central element of the project is a wastewater treatment plant employing a natural filtration method known as the Waste Stabilization Pond.
Occupying 30 hectares, the plant will process up to 12,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily. Supporting works include seven wastewater pumping stations, a 125.3-kilometer sewerage network, and household connections.
The project will cover six communes including Kampong Sanhanh, Deum Mien, Taktol, Takhmao, Prek Ho, and Prek Russey serving a combined area of approximately 974 hectares.
Flooding prevention is also part of the project, with plans to construct a stormwater drainage system along National Road No 21, stretching five kilometers from the Takhmao roundabout.
“Once completed, the project is expected to provide substantial benefits to the residents of Takhmao City. It will significantly improve public health and environmental sanitation by effectively treating domestic wastewater and reducing contamination of natural water bodies,” said Ponea.
“Furthermore, it will help mitigate flooding during the rainy season, which has long been a challenge for urban residents, and will contribute to a cleaner, healthier urban environment,” he added.
Ponea went on to add that the project will “serve as a catalyst for economic development in the region,” enhancing the city’s infrastructure, attracting investment, and improving quality of life.
Ambassador Park Jung-Wook reaffirmed Korea’s infrastructure commitment, saying that, “The Korean government has continued to support Cambodia’s wastewater treatment efforts. This project in Takhmao City will contribute significantly to improving the lives of Cambodian citizens, especially the more than 24,000 households living in Takhmao.”
The project stems from strong bilateral cooperation, anchored by the evolving strategic partnership between Cambodia and South Korea.
