Background
MOWRAM (the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology) centrally plans and implements national water infrastructure and flood-mitigation measures across Cambodia’s river basins and floodplains. MOWRAM is responsible for planning and executing national water infrastructure and flood-mitigation projects under Cambodia’s water resources governance framework.
The Banteay Meanchey flood-mitigation development project combines hydraulic works for diversion and storage with a phased implementation schedule and external financing. The Banteay Meanchey flood-mitigation development project has been implemented since 2021 with financing from the Republic of Korea and a planned completion in 2026.
Key Developments
On 2 October 2026, MOWRAM leadership convened an internal meeting to review feasibility and to identify mechanisms for preparing a strategic plan for flood-release and water-storage in the northwestern border area adjoining Thailand. The meeting examined proposed works that would expand water diversion and capture capacity for local channels and floodplain basins identified for Banteay Meanchey, and discussed a second-phase plan to increase discharge capacity out of the province.
The ministry’s discussion referenced integrated measures aimed at releasing floodwaters and capturing runoff upstream to reduce downstream flooding and retain water for dry-season use. The areas identified for project activities include parts of Poipet municipality, Malai district, Ou Chrov district and Serei Sophorn city, covering 17 communes according to the ministry release.
Institutional Role
MOWRAM acts as the lead national agency coordinating technical design, donor engagement, and inter-district planning for hydraulic-system projects that combine diversion channels, retention basins and conveyance works. The ministry is the focal point for implementing donor-financed water-resource projects and for aligning infrastructure works with provincial agricultural and disaster-risk reduction plans.
Operational Implications
Projected operational outcomes include improved seasonal water storage for irrigation and household supply, and enhanced capacity to route excess flows away from populated areas during high-water events. The ministry presented the multi-year schedule and scope to enable downstream provinces and local authorities to plan complementary measures for crop scheduling and community-level flood preparedness.
Source
Official ministry statement published on MOWRAM social channels and dated 2 October 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mowramcambodia/posts/pfbid02huLsWWebPrPxGR8Wn17WbFxy4vWDZsiqdUfspJGxhCHBKQ4tR25c8NSdx52pSRZWl
