PHNOM PENH, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday launched a Water Infrastructure and Smart Energy Joint Program (WISE JP), aiming to accelerate access to climate-resilient, safely managed water services across the Southeast Asian country.
Funded by the United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, the WISE JP introduced a pioneering financial model that combined commercial and low-interest capital -- a revolving blended-finance facility -- dedicated to ensuring climate-smart water systems, said a joint press release.
By blending concessional and commercial capital, the facility lowered financing costs for private water operators (PWOs) while delivering technical support to those PWOs, financial institutions, and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia.
"This assistance is vital as 1.9 million children, over one-third of Cambodia's child population, live in communes facing high climate risks, including recurring droughts, floods, and limited water, sanitation and hygiene services," the press release said.
Cambodian Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation Hem Vanndy said PWOs played a vital role in serving people, particularly in areas not reached by public water utilities. Yet they continue facing challenges accessing affordable finance for infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy adoption.
"The WISE JP represents an important milestone in our national efforts to modernize the water supply sector, expand clean water access, and advance our climate commitments," he said at the launching ceremony in Phnom Penh.
"By bringing innovation, investment, and long-term sustainability to Cambodia's water supply system, this partnership with the United Nations in Cambodia is expected to help improve water services for over 200,000 people across the country," Vanndy added.
Vladanka Andreeva, UN resident coordinator in Cambodia, said access to climate-resilient water services is essential for family well-being and for children's health and learning.
"Through the WISE JP, Cambodia is taking a bold step to ensure that children and families, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, benefit from affordable and sustainable clean water powered by renewable energy," she said.
Andreeva said the program supports Cambodia's progress toward the SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 13 (climate action) by mobilizing private investment in renewable-energy-powered water supply infrastructure. ■