The 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 and flood protection project in the capital. This project is valued at $36 million.

This large-scale initiative began 15 years ago in 2004, and Cambodia is now experiencing its fourth phase. However, there is no clear timeline for its completion. The current phase started on December 1, 2018, and is set to end on October 31, 2021, lasting 36 months with a budget of $36 million. This phase primarily aims to improve the drainage system in Phnom Penh to relieve congestion on streets and alleys during heavy flooding in the rainy season. This Japanese aid, like many others, is seen by both Cambodian and Japanese authorities as a testament to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Multiple forms of support

Japan is currently one of Cambodia's major donors. It both lends and gives financial assistance. In addition to the sewer network renovation project, Japan has been financing the organization of legislative elections in Cambodia since 1998. A total of $13 million has been allocated to the elections held in 1998, 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2018. However, the 2018 elections were largely boycotted by the European Union and the United States, which decided to suspend funding for the polling stations.

Between April 2017 and March 2018, the two countries signed agreements for grants to fund scholarships, the construction of bridges in flood-prone areas, and more. Additionally, a loan was granted to Cambodia to finance a container port area in Sihanoukville. In total, these agreements amount to €319 million.

Thibault Bourru