Cambodia is advancing a $238.20 million Japan-funded irrigation and drainage project covering parts of Kandal, Kampong Speu and Takeo provinces, with the project expected to improve agricultural productivity, reduce flood-related damage and expand irrigation access for farmers.
Water Resources and Meteorology Minister Thor Chetha led a Japanese delegation on an inspection of the Kandal Stung Bati subproject in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province. The delegation was led by Japanese Senator Higashino Hideki and included representatives from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Office.
Key Facts
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Southwest Phnom Penh Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project |
| Subproject inspected | Kandal Stung Bati |
| Location | Kandal Stung district, Kandal province |
| Provinces covered | Kandal, Kampong Speu and Takeo |
| Japanese financing | Approximately $238.20 million in concessional financing |
| Funding source | Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) |
| Project start | October 2014 |
| Scheduled completion | June 2030 |
| Implementation phases | Three |
| Subprojects | Roling Chrey and Kandal Stung Bati |
| Wet-season irrigation potential | Approximately 19,111 hectares |
| Dry-season irrigation potential | Approximately 1,900 hectares |
| Key development goals | Agricultural productivity, flood reduction and improved farmer livelihoods |
Japanese Delegation Reviews Irrigation Development
Minister Thor Chetha led the delegation during the inspection of the Kandal Stung Bati subproject, where Japanese representatives reviewed progress supported by Japan’s ODA in Cambodia’s water resources and irrigation sectors.
Senator Higashino Hideki led the Japanese delegation, accompanied by representatives of the Japanese Embassy and JICA Cambodia Office.
The visit forms part of ongoing cooperation between Cambodia and Japan in developing water management and agricultural infrastructure.
$238.20 Million Project Covers Three Provinces
According to Minister Chetha, the Southwest Phnom Penh Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project is being implemented in three phases with approximately $238.20 million in concessional financing from Japan.
The project covers areas of:
- Kandal
- Kampong Speu
- Takeo
The investment is directed toward improving irrigation and drainage infrastructure while strengthening water management systems serving agricultural areas.
Major Irrigation Infrastructure
The project includes construction and rehabilitation of several types of water infrastructure.
The financing supports:
- Irrigation headworks
- Primary irrigation canals
- Secondary canals
- Tertiary canals
- Water-control structures
- Rehabilitation and strengthening of small river sections
- Farmer Water User Communities
- Agricultural extension services
The combination of physical infrastructure and farmer-focused services is intended to improve the management and use of irrigation systems.
Project Expected to Expand Irrigation Access
Once completed, the project is expected to provide irrigation potential for approximately 19,111 hectares during the wet season and 1,900 hectares during the dry season.
| Irrigation Period | Expected Irrigation Potential |
|---|---|
| Wet season | 19,111 hectares |
| Dry season | 1,900 hectares |
| Combined seasonal coverage | 21,011 hectares |
These figures represent the expected irrigation potential across the project area and should not be interpreted as the same land area being irrigated simultaneously in both seasons.
Agriculture and Flood Management
Minister Chetha highlighted the project as a priority for improving agricultural productivity and reducing damage associated with flooding.
Improved irrigation and drainage infrastructure can provide farmers with greater control over water availability while supporting better management of excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.
The project is also intended to contribute to improved livelihoods for farming communities in the provinces covered by the programme.
Farmer Water User Communities Included
An important component of the project is the establishment and strengthening of Farmer Water User Communities.
These community-based structures are included alongside agricultural extension services, giving farmers a role in managing and using irrigation infrastructure.
The approach links infrastructure investment with agricultural support and local water management.
Project Timeline
The project began in October 2014 and is scheduled for completion in June 2030.
Its implementation is divided into three phases and includes two main subprojects:
- Roling Chrey
- Kandal Stung Bati
The latest inspection provides an opportunity for Cambodian and Japanese officials to review progress and the outcomes of Japan-supported investment in Cambodia’s water resources sector.
Cambodia Japan Development Cooperation
The project demonstrates the role of Japanese ODA in supporting Cambodia’s irrigation and water management infrastructure.
The cooperation also brings together Cambodia’s water authorities, Japanese development institutions and local farming communities around long-term agricultural and infrastructure objectives.
Angkor Times Analysis
The scale of the project illustrates the importance of irrigation infrastructure to Cambodia’s agricultural economy. The planned rehabilitation of canals, headworks, water-control structures and river sections addresses both water availability and drainage, while Farmer Water User Communities and agricultural extension services add a management and skills component.
With completion scheduled for 2030, the key measure of the project’s longer-term impact will be how effectively the upgraded systems translate into reliable water management, reduced flood-related losses and improved agricultural productivity for communities across the project area.
FAQs
How much is the Cambodia Japan irrigation project worth?
The project is being implemented with approximately $238.20 million in concessional financing from Japan.
Where is the project located?
The project covers areas of Kandal, Kampong Speu and Takeo provinces. The inspected Kandal Stung Bati subproject is located in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province.
When did the project begin?
The Southwest Phnom Penh Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project began in October 2014.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The project is scheduled for completion in June 2030.
How many hectares could receive irrigation during the wet season?
The project is expected to provide irrigation potential for approximately 19,111 hectares during the wet season.
How much irrigation potential is expected during the dry season?
Approximately 1,900 hectares of irrigation potential is expected during the dry season.
What infrastructure is included?
The project includes irrigation headworks, primary, secondary and tertiary canals, water-control structures and rehabilitation of small river sections.
Does the project include support for farmers?
Yes. The project includes the establishment and strengthening of Farmer Water User Communities as well as agricultural extension services.