(Phnom Penh): The Japanese government has provided an additional 10 dump trucks to Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment, marking the third batch of assistance and bringing the total number of donated vehicles to 30, officials said on Monday (Apr. 27).
The trucks were formally handed over by Ueno Atsushi to the Ministry of Environment during an official ceremony, underscoring continued cooperation between Japan and Cambodia in environmental protection.
Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth expressed appreciation to the Japanese government for its sustained support, describing the donation as a meaningful contribution to strengthening waste management capacity at the subnational level.
The ministry said the dump trucks were immediately distributed to provincial authorities at the time of handover, enabling local administrations to enhance waste collection and disposal services across their jurisdictions.
Sophalleth emphasized that the initiative supports Cambodia’s circular strategy aimed at promoting a “clean, green, and sustainable” nation, noting that improved waste management systems are essential to achieving long-term environmental goals.
He instructed provincial authorities to take proper care of the vehicles and ensure their effective use. The minister also urged continued public awareness campaigns, calling for these efforts to evolve into lasting social movements and daily habits among citizens.
In addition, Sophalleth directed provincial environment departments to adopt professional and accountable approaches in addressing pollution across air, land and water.
He warned that waste collection operators who burn waste or allow fires at dumping sites would face strict penalties, including the revocation of their licenses.
The minister further stressed accountability, saying authorities must identify and act on sources of pollution without delay.
“If pollution occurs, responsible departments must find the source and take action. It is not acceptable to say the source cannot be identified,” he said, adding that officials who fail to perform their duties should step down.
The measures reflect Cambodia’s broader push to strengthen environmental governance, improve waste management systems, and advance toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
=FRESH NEWS
