Background
On the afternoon of 20 February 2023, the 9th Commission of the Senate, responsible for public works, transport, civil aviation, postal services, telecommunications, industry, mines, energy, commerce, land management, urban planning and construction, conducted an official study visit to key components of the Bak Kheng clean water supply project. The delegation was led by H.E. Kong Saroeun, President of the 9th Commission of the Senate.
The visit focused on the construction progress of the Bak Kheng raw water pumping station and the Bak Kheng clean water treatment plant, as well as the drilling and installation of a 2-metre diameter main pipeline laid under the Tonle Sap river and along major road corridors.
Scope of Application
The activities observed during the visit relate to the ongoing implementation of Phnom Penh’s water supply infrastructure expansion, including:
- Construction of the Bak Kheng raw water pumping station along National Road No. 6 at Bridge No. 7.
- Construction of the Bak Kheng clean water treatment plant along Win-Win Boulevard.
- Drilling and installation of a 2-metre diameter main pipeline under the Tonle Sap river, east of the Prek Pnov bridge.
- Laying of a 2-metre diameter clean water main along Win-Win Boulevard on the western side of the Prek Pnov bridge.
The visit involved multiple Cambodian and international stakeholders linked to water supply and development financing for Phnom Penh.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The report describes an inspection and information-gathering visit rather than a new regulatory decision. Key elements of the programme included:
- Inspection of the construction progress of the Bak Kheng raw water pumping station on National Road No. 6 at Bridge No. 7.
- Inspection of the construction progress of the Bak Kheng clean water treatment plant located on Win-Win Boulevard.
- Observation of the worksite for drilling and installing the 2-metre diameter main pipeline under the bed of the Tonle Sap river, east of the Prek Pnov bridge.
- Participation in a ceremony marking the opening of the drilling worksite for the 2-metre diameter main pipeline under the Tonle Sap river.
- On-site review of progress and implementation activities related to the installation of the 2-metre diameter clean water main along Win-Win Boulevard, west of the Prek Pnov bridge.
No new laws, regulations, or formal decisions are stated in the source; the focus is on oversight and monitoring of infrastructure project implementation.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The visit underscores high-level institutional attention to the expansion of Phnom Penh’s water supply infrastructure through the Bak Kheng project and associated trunk mains. While the report does not specify technical standards, financing terms, or regulatory changes, it indicates coordination among national authorities, development partners, and international financial institutions in supporting large-scale water infrastructure.
For investors and businesses in sectors linked to urban development and utilities, the described works highlight ongoing upgrades to the capital’s water provision capacity. However, the item does not introduce new compliance requirements or policy instruments beyond the existing project framework.
Official Source
Department of Information, Senate of Cambodia.
