The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a new, three-year, US$ 3 million initiative that will help close financing gaps that fund universal water supply and sanitation services in Cambodia, today. The “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Finance” (WASH-FIN) activity will help the private sector make piped water available to those in need.

WASH-FIN Cambodia’s main objective is to support Private Water Operators (PWOs) access the money they need to expand and to improve water and sanitation access and services. WASH-FIN will provide technical assistance and help to strengthen PWOs in multiple provinces, local financial institutions, and other actors in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. It will support the use of credit enhancements such as a USAID Development Credit Authority to further increase opportunities for commercial finance. 

USAID’s launch of WASH-FIN reflects the United States’ commitment to increasing access to clean water in Cambodia. Financing is a critical component to improve access to piped water supply services in the country. WASH-FIN is partnering with the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) to take advantage of existing local knowledge and systems. WASH-FIN anticipates the local bank loans that result from this activity will expand WASH investment and contribute to economic growth, job creation, and a healthier population.

"USAID is proud to encourage private sector lending to Cambodia’s WASH sector," said Polly Dunford, USAID Cambodia Mission Director. "Clean water and hygiene are critical to any community and we are confident that this will support Cambodia’s tremendous economic growth as well as the health of its citizens.”

In addition to its work in Cambodia WASH-FIN is active in several African and Asian countries. Globally, WASH-FIN is a five-year, $40 million activity led by Tetra Tech with support from Open Capital Advisors, Segura Consulting and Global Credit Rating.

For more information about USAID, visit www.usaid.gov.