Phnom Penh municipal administration on Tuesday started the construction of the first standard faecal sludge treatment plant, which will enhance proper management of sludge and the processing of sludge into organic fertilizer for local agriculture.

The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Phnom Penh Municipal Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng and visiting Mr. Pierre Baillet, Permanent Secretary of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF).

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Khuong Sreng said that the faecal sludge treatment plant will contribute to the improvement of public hygiene in response to the population growth and urbanisation expansion.

H.E. Governor stated that in 2001, the sludge in Phnom Penh was about 26,000 cubic metres per year and the figure is estimated to increase to 330,000 cubic metres by 2035, which requires a proper arrangement of the faecal sludge treatment plant in accordance with technical standard that does not harm the environment.

Built on area of over 3 hectares in Khan Kambol, the plant is part of the faecal sludge management project funded by the AIMF headquartered in Paris.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press