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Supporting Community-Based Environmental Improvement in Phnom Penh

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (14 January 2003) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$1 million grant to support a community-based environmental improvement project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The grant is from ADB's Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), financed by the Government of Japan.

The project aims to establish sustainable community-based mechanisms to improve living and working conditions and environmental hygiene in low-income neighborhoods.

Rapid urbanization, antiquated water supply and drainage systems, and inadequate pollution control contribute to poor health and hygiene conditions in the capital city. Although 90% of Phnom Penh's population has access to piped water, many of the poor do not.

"More than 30,000 households in 10 districts of Phnom Penh and at a dumpsite will benefit from improved infrastructure and a more hygienic environment,'' says ADB project officer Januar Hakim.

The project will encourage a community-driven approach to improve infrastructure and sanitation programs and services.

In addition, it will launch public awareness campaigns on environment and sanitation hygiene and establish comprehensive community-based solid waste management practices. It will also generate income and employment opportunities through the latter by financing a revolving fund for civil works, supplies, equipment, and training and project management.

The project will encourage the Government, nongovernment organizations and communities to replicate the pilot project as well as contribute to the design of an urban development project.

The JFPR was set up in 2000 with an initial contribution of 10 billion yen (about US$90 million), followed by additional contributions of US$155 million and a commitment of US$50 million. The fund supports pilot investment projects that target poor people and prioritizes innovative sustainable approaches conceptually linked to ADB loans.

By 15 December 2002, the Government of Japan had endorsed four JFPR projects for Cambodia valued at $7.6 million.

More at adb.org/media

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