Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority Wins Stockholm Industry Water Award 2010

STOCKHOLM, June 2 /CNW/ - In recognition of its world class performance in water supply and self-sufficiency, the Cambodian Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) under the leadership of General Director Ek Sonn Chan has been named the winner of the Stockholm Industry Water Award 2010.

For full press release, translations, photos, and video material, visit: http://www.siwi.org/siwa2010

Decades of conflict left the Phnom Penh water supply system running low until 1993, when Mr. Ek Sonn Chan was appointed as General Director of the PPWSA. Together with his team, he managed to refurbish the whole supply system, introduce cost-effective billing and payment collection methods, as well as world class management to provide water to almost all of the city's residents.

"The PPWSA has successfully fought corruption and shown this can be achieved in a developing country on a large-scale basis using simple but effective management techniques that are based on well-accepted business principles and strategies," said the International Award Jury in its citation. The PPWSA will receive the award during the World Water Week in Stockholm 2010, September 5-11.

Accepting the award on behalf of PPWSA, Mr. Ek Sonn Chan said the award puts his organisation in the same league as other world class water industry organisations, reinforcing their drive towards achieving future objectives. "My team is encouraged by this prestigious award to carry on our mission to increase our collection efficiency, improve water regulation, and provide water continuously for a price affordable by our society through good management and cost-recovery practices and despite increases in electricity and other costs," he said.

About the Stockholm Industry Water Award

The Stockholm Industry Water Award recognises the business sector's contribution to sustainable water management, by minimising water consumption and environmental impact. It is given to any sector of business and industry. The Award was established in 2000 by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. It is administered by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

SIWI - Independent, Leading-Edge Water Competence for Future-Oriented Action

The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is a policy institute that contributes to international efforts to combat the world's escalating water crisis. SIWI develops and promotes future-oriented and knowledge-integrated policies, towards sustainable use of the world's water resources leading to sustainable development and poverty eradication.

For further information: Britt-Louise Andersson, SIWI, [phone], [email protected]; Per-Arne Malmqvist, SIWI, [phone], [email protected]