AKP Phnom Penh, August 13, 2025 -- H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, on Aug. 13 welcomed a delegation from Kitakyushu city, Japan, ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of the Takhmao Water Treatment Plant. 

The project is funded through Japanese grant aid and implemented by members of the Kitakyushu Overseas Water Business Association (KOWBA), said a news release of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI).

According to the source, the plant operates under a Special Purpose Company (SPC) model. The Japanese counterpart builds, operates, and maintains the facility for 10 years before handing over the plant the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). This approach brings together investment, advanced Japanese technology, and operational expertise to meet Takhmao’s growing demand and quality for clean water.

H.E. Hem Vanndy commended Kitakyushu City and KOWBA for their longstanding partnership and urged continued collaboration in innovation, skill development, and digital transformation for Cambodia’s water supply sector.

“The SPC model will serve as a benchmark for future investment and strengthen trust between Cambodia and Japanese partners,” he said, adding that reforms are underway to enhance the performance of water operators in the country.

He invited Kitakyushu companies to invest, contribute to a national digital water management platform, and support innovation and R&D in the sector.

Professor Sato Yuya, Vice President of KOWBA, reaffirmed Kitakyushu’s commitment to supporting the Takhmao project and to training other water operators.

He highlighted ongoing cooperation with JICA on R&D and KOWBA’s expertise in small-scale water-supply solutions and digital platform development.

“Kitakyushu and KOWBA will continue to be Cambodia’s long-term partners in the water-supply sector,” he said, stressing that the forthcoming October will mark the 10th anniversary of the sister-city cooperation between Kitakyushu and Phnom Penh.

AKP