Oz launches water scheme
THE Australian embassy last week launched the CambodiaAustra lia Water Utilit y ImprovementProgramme(WUIP) which aims to support the Kingdom’s water operators and improve water serv ice deliver y t hroughout t he countr y.
In a press release on Tuesday, t he embassy said the WUIP, which was launched on July 8, would connect South East Water, a major water utilit y based in Melbourne, Austra lia, with three Cambodian private water utilities t hrough a t wo-year k nowledge sharing programme to improve access to safe and reliable water for t housands of Cambodians.
It said the partnership would provide Cambodian utilities with exposure to the high-quality technology and management practices of Australian water utilities.
“This programme will create longterm relationships and k nowledge exchange between Cambodian and Aust ra lia n institut ions.
“This is part of our commitment to supporting Cambodia to develop the quality infrastructure and services it needs to transition to a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous country,” Australian ambassador Angella Corcoran said.
The WUIP is being facilitated by the Australian Water Association (AWA) in partnership with the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA).
CWA communications manager Sang Bernadin told The Post t hat t his was the first scheme to partner with the AWA and it was being conducted wit h t he assistance of t he Austra lian government.
“The scheme is of the utmost importance to help Cambodian operators produce better quality water by exchanging knowledge, new technologies and expertise. It will allow operators to expand their networks in their service areas,” she said.
Bernadin said Melbourne’s South East Water visited Cambodia last week to study the country’s clean water situation and learn about the different production techniques.
“The company also advised the three water supply operators who have seen the difficulties of using clean water technology, such as non-standard and excessive use of electricity and loss of profit through leaks.
“Now the Australian company has seen t he situation here, t he t hree water supply operators have been invited to Austra lia so t hey can formulate a joint plan. There will be training courses and a study tour at South East Water,” she said.
The Australian embassy said in its press release: “Building on this work, the AWA and the CWA will be arranging an Australian delegation to the Cambodian Water Conference and Exhibition in October, creating further opportunities for collaboration and exchange of knowledge and technology.”
Bernadin said the forum would help Cambodian water supply operators extend t heir licensed net works and prov ide another chance to learn how t heir Austra lian development partners could help with Cambodia’s water supply system.