Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 10 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared nine recommendations for the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and relevant stakeholders to further promote the management, conservation and development of water resources meteorology and natural resources more effectively.
The premier spoke on Wednesday (Apr. 10) during the closing of 2023 annual meeting of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.
The nine recommendations are as follows:
1. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, along with its three subordinate institutions, shall strengthen institutional governance by building and promoting human capital which involves enhancing technical capabilities, leveraging modern technologies, providing incentives, and strengthening cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. This aims to enhance the management of water resources in rivers and streams by adhering to the principles of integrated water resources management.
2. Samdech Thipadei urged the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology to expedite the formulation of procedures and the approval proposal of Sub-decree on Water Licenses, Sub-decrees on Water Quality, and other regulations necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Ministry.
3. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology shall continue to carry out its roles and responsibilities by collaborating with relevant ministries, institutions, and local authorities across all capitals and provinces to: thwart floodplain deforestation in Zone 3 of the Tonle Sap Lake, finalize the update of mapping for Zones 1, 2, and 3 of the Tonle Sap area, to demarcate the flooded forest, to curb land encroachment in water reservoirs and flooded forest lands, to prevent the filling of land and the dumping of rocks into rivers, streams, tributaries, and lakes throughout the country.
4. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, along with its subordinate institutions, and in close collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, and local authorities across all capitals and provinces, shall continue to carry out roles and responsibilities by adhering to "the Dynamics of Stakeholder System" approach with the aim of preventing and mitigating natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, through constructing high-quality hydraulic infrastructures and improving flood and weather forecasting efficiency.
5. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology shall continue expanding the potential of water supply sources by constructing reservoir dams and quality, reliable water distribution systems based on scientific studies to ensure sufficient water supply for daily clean water consumption and sector-wide production, as well as to aid in alleviating the effects of floods and droughts.
6. Cambodia National Mekong Committee shall continue to strengthen cooperation more effectively with ministries and institutions, as well as with the member states of the Mekong River Commission, dialogue partners, and development partners, to achieve sustainable development in water resources and other relevant resources in the Mekong River.
7. Samdech Thipadei urged the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Economy and Finance on the budget feasibility for constructing, repairing, and maintaining hydraulic structures and to cooperate with development partners and aid institutions to raise funds to support the management, conservation, and development of water resources in Cambodia.
8. In addition to its achievements in constructing water resource infrastructure, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology should further focus on enhancing soft skills, building capacity in weather forecasting, and compiling more accurate meteorological data to serve various sectors.
9. According to the United Nations' warning on 17 May 2023, the Earth's temperature is projected to reach record highs from 2023 to 2027. This increase is attributed to a combination of two phenomena: greenhouse gas emissions and the El Niño meteorological event. These conditions could lead to storms, unusual droughts, changes in weather patterns, with some areas receiving excessive rain while others become extremely dry. In this spirit, shall be collaborative and proactive in exploring additional mechanisms for the preparation of the water reservoir system to address any unexpected challenges
that may arise, ensuring sufficient water for agricultural use and daily consumption for citizens across the country.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei encouraged all leaders and officials to strive even more effectively in carrying out their roles and responsibilities with professional conscience and high creativity to achieve new successes. Additionally, Samdech Thipadei called upon ministries, institutions, development partners, NGOs, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to continue supporting and collaborating in genuine partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and its subordinate institutions, to further improve and modernise the institutions, fostering a culture of meritocracy, thereby contributing significantly to nation-building for the next generation.
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