Japan Grant for Electricity Access

KHMER TIMES
CHEA VANNAK

New power lines, funded by a Japanese grant, form part of the development of the Southern Economic Corridor. KT/Chor Sokunthea

The Japanese government announced yesterday that it would provide almost $9 million to improve electricity access in the Kingdom that would enable Cambodians to enjoy better quality electricity services.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said that the new power lines, funded by the Japanese grant, form part of the development of the Southern Economic Corridor.

He said it will ensure better connectivity for the public and businesses along the corridor – in Svay Rieng, Banteay Meanchey and Koh Kong provinces.

“It will also reduce our dependence on power supply from neighboring countries,” Mr. Sokhonn added.

Just over 93 kilometers of lines will be installed, he said, and will form part of the Cambodia’s continued economic expansion.

Japanese Ambassador Yuji Kumamaru stressed the social development potential of the new power lines.

“I hope that improving the stability of the electricity supply will help to enhance the living standards of Cambodian people in these provinces,” he said after the signing.

According to Ministry of Mines and Energy, all villages nationwide will be electrified by 2020 and at least 70 percent of households will have access to the electricity grid by 2030. Recent data from the ministry indicates that 71 percent of rural areas now have regular power supply.

Mey Kalyan, senior advisor to the government’s Supreme National Economic Council, stressed the importance of the project.

“Right now we need power, so wherever the electricity connectivity is improved, it is good progress.”

“The project will supply power to the increasing number of special economic zones in the areas,” he added.

The new transmission lines will be linked to the newly announced 10-hectare solar farm currently under construction in Svay Rieng province’s Bavet City. The farm will aim to supply a quarter of the electricity needs for the province, and is the first large-scale solar project to be connected to the national grid.