The Japanese government has provided a grant of over $240,000 for the installation of a new clean water supply system in two villages in Soutr Nikom district’s Kampong Khleang commune, which borders the Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap province.

The project will be implemented by the Cambodian Rural Water Supply Association, which will use the funds to construct approximately 8-kilometres of clean water distribution pipes.

The funding is part of Japan’s Kusanone project, according to a statement issued by the Japanese embassy on February 21.

According to their assessment, residents in the area face difficulties in accessing safe drinking water, increasing risks to public health.

Ueno Atsushi, Japanese ambassador to Cambodia, addressed the grant signing ceremony.

“We expect that approximately 2,300 residents in the area will gain access to safe, affordable and sufficient clean water, which will contribute to improving their quality of life,” he said.

He added that a clean water supply is one of the key sectors of Japan’s cooperation with Cambodia.

He also noted that last year, a documentary produced by NHK, a major Japanese television network, was broadcast in Japan, highlighting Japan’s cooperation in water supply efforts and emphasising the strong commitment of Sun Chanthol, former Minister of Public Works and Transport, to providing clean drinking water to Cambodians.

Since 1991, Japan’s Kusanone project has provided approximately $71 million in grants for various initiatives carried out by local authorities and non-governmental organisations, totaling around 700 projects across Cambodia.