Background
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) is the national agency charged with managing Cambodia’s water resources, overseeing irrigation infrastructure, and coordinating meteorological services across river basins and agricultural areas.
The Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project (CaWSIP) is described by MOWRAM as a flagship initiative to strengthen water resources management, modernize irrigation systems, advance meteorological services, enhance climate resilience, and support Farmer Water User Communities (FWUCs). MOWRAM set four priority requests for World Bank support: successful implementation of CaWSIP; financing mechanisms for the Cambodia Water Security Agreement; preparation and implementation of a long-term investment program for the Tonle Sap Basin; and expansion of strategic water storage and small-scale irrigation capacity in border areas.
Key Developments
On 8 July 2026, Minister Thor Chetha received Mr. Guangzhe Chen, World Bank Vice President, for a courtesy call at MOWRAM headquarters to discuss continuing cooperation on water security and related investments.
During the meeting, the minister thanked the World Bank for longstanding financial support to CaWSIP and asked for continued assistance across the four priorities listed above. The World Bank delegation affirmed it would continue close collaboration with MOWRAM to support priority projects and programs aimed at strengthening water security and climate resilience.
Institutional Role
MOWRAM houses responsibility for national-level planning and implementation of irrigation and water storage projects and for coordinating with basin-level stakeholders, including Farmer Water User Communities. The World Bank functions as a development partner providing financial and technical engagement for large-scale water security programs in Cambodia.
Operational Implications
Requests made by MOWRAM emphasize project implementation, investment programming for the Tonle Sap Basin, and the construction of reservoirs alongside development of small-scale irrigation systems in border areas to increase water storage capacity. These priorities indicate continued focus on integrating irrigation modernization, basin investment planning, and targeted infrastructure to support water and food security objectives.
