AKP Phnom Penh, May 12, 2025 --  

The Ministry of Environment and the Kandal Provincial Administration have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at preventing and reducing pollution in public water sources.

The agreement was signed on May 12 at the Ministry of Environment by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and H.E. Kuoch Chamroeun, Governor of Kandal province.

Addressing the function, H.E. Kuoch Chamroeun emphasised that the MoU reflects strong collaboration between the national and sub-national levels in preventing pollution in public water areas, particularly from industrial activities.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth noted that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to eliminating pollution from untreated wastewater discharged by factories, enterprises, healthcare facilities, and other sources. He highlighted the adverse effects of such pollution on water quality, public health, biodiversity, and the tourism sector.

The Environment Minister added that pollution is not limited to the industrial sector, pointing out that the chemical, energy, and agricultural sectors also contribute significantly to environmental degradation.

Kandal province is home to more than 300 factories and enterprises, over 20 of which have signed agreements to install automated water quality monitoring systems to ensure wastewater is treated before being released into public water sources.

At a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new wastewater treatment system in Takhmao city, Kandal province, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet instructed local authorities nationwide to strengthen oversight of wastewater management at all factories to protect public health and environmental safety.

“Any factory found discharging untreated or contaminated water must be temporarily suspended until the problem is resolved. We cannot allow health risks to our people,” the Premier stressed.
In conjunction with the MoU signing, the Ministry of Environment also handed over garbage trucks to the provincial and municipal environment departments.

By C. Nika