Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 4 – Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, presided over the opening of the National Workshop on National Water Resources Data Management Center (NWRDMC), Water Resources Information System (WRIS), and Irrigation Asset Management System (IAMS), held on 3 June 2024 in Phnom Penh.

The event was attended by technical experts of the ministry, other relevant ministries and government institutions, provincial administrations, and development partners

On that occasion, the minister stated that under the flexible, wise, and skilled leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and following the Pentagon Strategy-Phase I of the seventh-mandate Royal Government, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has developed a strategic plan to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the impacts of droughts, floods, and global warming. This plan is in line with the fourth Pentagon strategy, which aims to address climate change and promote a green economy.

At the same time, Thor Chetha underlined that the Ministry needs the latest equipment and technical equipment capable of calculating, analysing and presenting targeted and up-to-date information to help strengthen the alarm system and advance notice to vulnerable people should be prepared to reduce natural disasters and reduce serious economic losses.

As part of the Irrigation Improvement Project, the National Water Resources Data Management Center has been established to manage data collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination of information on rainfall, hydrology, and meteorology. This National Center is crucial for effective management and dissemination of water resource information.

On the occasion, Minister Thor Chetha further noted that the construction of this National Center will provide Cambodia with autonomy in the management, forecasting, and analysis of hydrological and meteorological data across sectors. This is a key component of the Ministry's strategy to modernise water infrastructure, making it more resilient to climate change.

The minister called on all relevant units to rigorously implement the Ministry's mission, particularly in providing weather information, early warning systems, and public information on water management. He expressed hope that the workshop would foster in-depth discussions and yield significant insights to improve Cambodia's water resources management system.

Minister Thor Chetha also extended his gratitude to all development partners, especially the Asian Development Bank (ADB), for their comprehensive strategic partnership and continuous cooperation in financing the development of water resources and meteorology in Cambodia in the context of global climate change.
=FRESH NEWS