Background
On 19 March 2026, a senior official of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), Secretary of State Ponh Sachak, chaired a working meeting with representatives of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank) to review the Irrigation Development and Flood Mitigation Project (IDFMP) in Banteay Meanchey province. The meeting was convened on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, Thao Chetha. The IDFMP aims to develop irrigation systems and reduce flooding impacts in Banteay Meanchey.
According to the update presented at the meeting, overall project implementation had reached 96.18 percent completion as of 13 March 2026. The project is being implemented with support from Korea Eximbank, whose Cambodia mission participated in the review.
Scope of Application
The discussions focused on the IDFMP construction works and related implementation arrangements in Banteay Meanchey province. Participants addressed technical construction progress, administrative processes, and project management issues affecting the remaining implementation period up to the planned completion date in June 2027.
The scope covered the responsibilities of MOWRAM, Korea Eximbank’s Cambodia office, technical consultants, and the construction contractor in ensuring that the irrigation and flood mitigation infrastructure is completed in line with agreed standards and timelines.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, the MOWRAM Secretary of State led a discussion on measures to address project impacts arising from the global fuel price crisis and to resolve any bottlenecks in administrative document flows, with the objective of ensuring that construction is completed in full compliance with the contract.
The Korean side requested that the ministry prepare an operation and maintenance (O&M) budget and implementation plan to support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the irrigation system once the project is completed, which is anticipated for June 2027.
On the same day, the Secretary of State and the Korea Eximbank delegation conducted a site visit to the IDFMP construction locations to inspect on-the-ground progress. During the visit, the ministry urged the construction company to continue implementation with maximum diligence, in line with technical standards and MOWRAM’s technical guidance.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The update indicates that the IDFMP in Banteay Meanchey is nearing completion, with remaining works focused on final construction activities and resolution of administrative and cost-related challenges linked to fuel prices. For contractors and technical service providers involved in MOWRAM-led irrigation projects, the emphasis on strict adherence to technical standards and contractual obligations highlights the ministry’s expectations for performance and quality control.
The request from Korea Eximbank for an O&M budget and plan underscores the need for long-term resource allocation and institutional arrangements to operate and maintain irrigation infrastructure after completion. This may shape future budgeting, project design, and implementation requirements for similar irrigation and flood mitigation initiatives supported by development partners.
Official Source
The information is based on an official communication from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) published on its verified Facebook page.
