Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport held an Early Market Engagement (EME) by videoconference on 12 August 2026 to review detailed technical designs for construction of a sewerage system, household connection networks, and a wastewater treatment station in Ta Khmau, Kandal province. The EME format was used to gather market feedback and to present procurement modalities prior to issuing tender documents.
Participants at the meeting included the WASAC project management unit, representatives of the World Bank, the lead technical consultants Saman Corporation and Kunhwa Engineering & Consulting Co., Ltd (with SBK Research and Development Co., Ltd listed as sub-consultant), and representatives from private firms including ten construction companies. The technical package under review covers design elements for sewer collection, house-connection interfaces, and a centralized wastewater treatment facility to serve Ta Khmau urban area.
Key Developments
The session provided a forum for the consulting team to present detailed engineering plans and for private-sector firms to ask technical and procurement-related questions. The meeting also included a presentation on the contracting and selection procedures that will be used to appoint construction firms for the accelerating Water Supply and Sanitation Project managed through WASAC.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport convened and led the engagement through its state secretary, while the WASAC project management unit acted as the operational manager for the sanitation acceleration project. The World Bank and technical consultants participated as project stakeholders and advisors during the technical review and procurement discussion.
Operational Implications
Early Market Engagement sessions are intended to refine procurement specifications and to clarify selection procedures before issuing formal tenders; the MPWT-hosted EME in Ta Khmau was used to communicate those procurement modalities to potential bidders. Information exchanged during the EME can be referenced by procurement teams when finalizing bid documents and technical scopes for the construction phase.
Official Source
Source: MPWT Facebook post, 12 August 2026 — MPWT post.
