‘Solar e-toilet’ project set for P Sihanouk’s Koh Rong
CAMBODIA and India signed a May 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Indian Grant Assistance for an innovative solar e-toilet project on Koh Rong, an island in Preah Sihanouk province.
The MoU was co-signed by Van Monineath, head of the Ministry of Environment’s General Department of Policy and Strategy, and Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade – in a ceremony presided over by Tin Ponlok, ministry secretary of state and second vice-president of the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD).
Khobragade said the project was being carried in cooperation with the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, the Indian government’s support agency for developing countries. Through the scheme, India has so far provided funding for projects in 18 countries.
Ponlok thanked the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for providing Cambodia with the grant to carry out the project, partly in response to climate change. He also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to its long-term strategy for carbon neutrality.
He added that climate action is a priority for the Cambodian government, as it has tremendous implications for the people and economy of Cambodia. He noted that the Kingdom was the first developing country to set a goal for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Ponlok appreciated India for raising the perception of the Global South on key issues such as climate action, which are important for developing countries.
The eministry said the project’s implementation will benefit local communities, contribute to socio-economic development and improve public welfare.
The NCSD was established in 2015 to promote sustainable development to ensure a balance between the development of the economy, the environment, society and culture in Cambodia.