Overview
On 19–20 March 2026, a Secretary of State of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), serving as Director of the Climate-Resilient Irrigation System Development and Flood and Drought Risk Reduction Project (CCRSIWFDMP), led a technical working group to inspect priority irrigation subproject locations in Pursat and Banteay Meanchey provinces. The activities relate to a nationwide irrigation system development project financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Project Background
The CCRSIWFDMP aims to develop irrigation systems that are resilient to climate change and to reduce risks from floods and droughts across Cambodia. Within this framework, MOWRAM is identifying and preparing specific subprojects in different provinces, with financial support from AIIB for infrastructure-related investments in water resources management.
Field Inspection Activities
During the two-day mission, the delegation conducted on-site inspections of four proposed irrigation subprojects:
- Charoek irrigation system subproject in Kandiang commune, Kandieng district, Pursat province.
- Trapeang Thmor reservoir subproject in Pouy Char commune, Phnom Srok district, Banteay Meanchey province.
- Stung Thmor Puok system subproject in Kouk Romiet commune, Thmor Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province.
- Main Prey Kbos canal system subproject in Soursdei commune, Mongkol Borei district, Banteay Meanchey province.
The mission focused on understanding the geographic and local conditions at each proposed site to support technical and planning decisions for future project implementation.
Objectives and Next Steps
The primary objective of the mission was to study local geographical conditions and conduct preliminary assessments of each subproject location. Based on these assessments, MOWRAM plans to prioritize subprojects for further feasibility studies and detailed design work.
The preparation activities are intended to support full implementation of the first project phase, which is planned for the period from 2027 to 2031, subject to subsequent project preparation and approvals.
Coordination with Provincial Departments
Alongside the field inspections, the Secretary of State chaired working discussions with leadership and technical officials from the Provincial Departments of Water Resources and Meteorology in Pursat and Banteay Meanchey. The meetings aimed to provide technical orientation and to organize joint operational planning between central and provincial levels to support effective project implementation.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Stakeholders
The inspections and associated planning indicate the government’s ongoing preparation of climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure in Pursat and Banteay Meanchey, backed by AIIB financing. While no specific procurement or construction decisions are set out in this update, the identification and prioritization of subprojects, along with planned feasibility studies and designs for 2027–2031, signal future opportunities in irrigation-related civil works, consulting, and associated services. Local authorities and stakeholders in the project areas are expected to coordinate with MOWRAM as project preparation advances.
Official Source
This information is based on an official announcement from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), published on its verified Facebook page on 20 March 2026.
