1. 1. 1. Context

Cambodia has more than 2 million people without access to safe drinking water and 3 million without improved sanitation. Around 77 percent of Cambodians live in rural areas, so problems related to water and sanitation disproportionately affect rural areas. Even with Cambodia’s high growth rate, access to affordable financing for water and sanitation remains a challenge for families who wish to secure water connections and toilets for their homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging millions of people in Cambodia as well as around the world because they lack access to clean water. Today more than ever, access to safe water is essential for the health of Cambodian families.

Located about 12 km south of Phnom Penh, Kandal province is located in the southwest of Cambodia. In the province, access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene is a major challenge, particularly for people who live along river banks, along the coast, and in rural areas.

Some people live in flood-prone areas, making service provision even more challenging. Around 19 percent of households in the province lack access to clean water supply.

1. 2. 2. Project Goal

To strengthen the roles and responsibilities of local authorities, private water operators and community people on water supply services in order to increase the satisfaction in the level of services provided by water operators.

1. 3. 3. Proposed Options

The Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) has been implementing the Strengthening Service Provider Accountability for Improving the Water Supply Services Project since January 2021 in Kandal Steung and Ang Snoul districts, Kandal province, and other districts in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces.

To assist people in Kandal province with access to clean water, the CWA proposes to work with local government and the private water operators to increase access to climate-resilient safe water supply in two districts such as Lvea Em and S’ang districts in Kandal Province.

1. 4. 4. Project Outcome

1. 1. –Output1 Developing and implementing capacity strengthening plans for water operators to improve their service to customers.
   2. –Output2 Developing and implementing advocacy campaigns to promote the benefits of piped water supply, and increase water connections for households.
   3. –Output3 Working with water user groups to strengthen their capacity to plan for water resources, particularly during periods of drought and flooding.
   4. –Output4 Developing accountability mechanisms between service users, private operators and local government to improve water supply service delivery.