PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has officially launched the Irrigation Investment Assessment Project, aimed at producing a comprehensive assessment to support the formulation of national water resources strategies and master plans.
The project’s commencement was marked by a meeting chaired by H.E. An Pich Hatda, Secretary of State at the ministry, on Jan. 12, with the participation of approximately 40 officials from relevant departments.
The meeting focused on introducing and discussing the scope and objectives of the irrigation investment assessment, which is being implemented in line with the Roadmap for the Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management Programme in Cambodia. Under this roadmap, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology is tasked with leading a comprehensive assessment of irrigation investments and strengthening inter-ministerial coordination on water security.
H.E. An Pich Hatda stated that the project is being implemented by the ministry with support from the Australian Government through the Australia Partnership (AWP), and with technical assistance from the International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM).
The project aims to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in water resource management by developing and piloting methodologies to update Cambodia’s irrigation inventory. It will also enhance coordination among irrigation data management systems and assess investments in existing and ongoing irrigation schemes.
In addition, the project is designed to improve the operation, maintenance, and cost recovery of irrigation infrastructure, while integrating climate resilience and inclusive governance into irrigation planning.
“The results of this assessment will directly support the development of national water resources strategies and master plans, ensuring that future investments are guided by robust data, climate risk assessments, and long-term sustainability,” he said.
The 13-month project will also provide strategic guidance for irrigation development, support inter-ministerial planning, and help establish a reliable national database of irrigation investment projects. It represents an important step toward strengthening water security and promoting climate-resilient irrigation systems in Cambodia.