05 March 2019 — Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Hidehisa Horinouchi announced yesterday, alongside Prime Minister Hun Sen, the launch of Phase IV of the Phnom Penh sewer network renovation project and flood protection in the capital. A project valued at 36 million dollars.

This major initiative began 15 years ago, in 2004. Cambodia is now entering its fourth phase. Though when it will be completed remains unclear. This phase began on December 1st, 2018 and will conclude on October 31st, 2021. Thirty-six months. Thirty-six million dollars. This phase aims notably to enhance the sewer drainage system of Phnom Penh to alleviate congestion in streets and alleys during severe flooding in the rainy season. This Japanese assistance, like many others, strengthens, according to Cambodian and Japanese authorities, the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Multiple Sources of Support

Japan is currently one of Cambodia's leading donors. It both lends and grants. Beyond the sewer network renovation project, the Land of the Rising Sun has financed legislative elections in Cambodia since 1998. For a total of 13 million dollars across those held in 1998, 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2018. Though these recent elections were widely boycotted by the European Union and the United States, which decided to suspend funding for polling stations.

Between April 2017 and March 2018, the two countries signed grant agreements for scholarships, bridge construction in flood-vulnerable zones, among other initiatives. A loan was also granted to Cambodia to finance a container port facility in Sihanoukville. All told, 319 million euros.

Thibault Bourru

Thibault BourruA passionate enthusiast of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his experiences through his writing.