Reforming a water sector: How to inspire the next generation
H.E Ek Sonn Chan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft and a former General Director of Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). H.E Sonn Chan spent almost 20 years to reform the water work in Phnom Penh from scratch with only $50,000 investment. Through bitter and sweet experiences he described, he trained and coached his staff to become productive and qualified employees with his leadership principles. "If you want to make your organization grow, you have to work with 3Hs (Head, Heart, and Hands)", said H.E Chan. His legacy has advanced this organization as of the PPWSA today with greater than $50 million equity at a time of his retirement. Although he was retired from the PPWSA, his mission has not ended yet, he continues improving piped water supply sector under his position as a secretary of state.
Urban Water and Energy Nexus: Who and how to persuade?
Ms. Bounthavivanh Mixap, a Capacity Building and Network Coordinator at OXFAM-Mekong Regional Water Governance Program. Ms. Vanh has demonstrated the need for better collaboration and coordination between water and energy sectors in urban context and provided the strategies that emerging leaders could use in moving from the ‘information and ideas’ stage to ‘implementation and action’ stage.
Bringing Piped Water Supply to Rural communities: What can be done?
Dr. Clément Frenoux, GRET team leader, set the scene by presenting about the background of water supply sector in Cambodia. The presentation contained several information on challenges and opportunities regarding water supply sector. The key highlights were about lack of capacity, weak regulation, and financing issues in the sector. Dr. Clement also indicated some key recommendations on improving supports to private water operators, accelerating access to piped water supply to rural population, and motivating private sector to invest in greenfield sites with subsidized grant financing.
Mr. Khykeng Hor, Executive Director of Cambodia Water Supply Association (C.W.A), presented low-cost water supply technologies that could be operated in rural areas. In his presentation, he also echoed Dr. Clement’s idea due to the fact that motivating private operators to invest in rural piped water system could be a sophisticated way to bring piped water supply to rural communities. However, government’s supports including suitable regulations, access to finance, and capacity development are key to attract the private participation as well.
Mr. Khykeng Hor, Executive Director of Cambodia Water Supply Association (C.W.A), presented low-cost water supply technologies that could be operated in rural areas. In his presentation, he also echoed Dr. Clement’s idea due to the fact that motivating private operators to invest in rural piped water system could be a sophisticated way to bring piped water supply to rural communities. However, government’s supports including suitable regulations, access to finance, and capacity development are key to attract the private participation as well.
