The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a $60 million International Development Association credit to support Cambodia’s improvement of solid waste and plastic management. The project will be co-financed by a grant from the PROBLUE Trust Fund in the amount of $3 million.
Economic growth, urbanization, and tourism have led to a substantial increase in solid waste and plastics use in Cambodia over the years. As a result of low collection rates and inadequate treatment and disposal of waste, the dumping of waste and plastics in the environment and waterways, street littering, and the practice of burning have become widespread. In addition, inadequate regulatory frameworks, policies, and enabling conditions are limiting the effectiveness of waste management efforts.
“The government has placed improvement of solid waste and plastic management increasingly high on the national agenda as stated in the Municipal Solid Waste Management Policy 2020-2030,” said Samdech Krolahom Sar Kheng, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. “Supporting implementation of Sub-decree No. 113 on solid waste management to enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of waste services and management, and protect public health, environmental and landscape aesthetics in Cambodia is an important priority.”
The Cambodia: Solid Waste and Plastic Management Improvement Project will support the Government of Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity for solid waste and plastic management at the national and sub-national level, enhance the performance of the private sector engaged in waste services, and improve waste fee systems to support improved solid waste operations that are environmentally, financially, and socially sustainable. The project design incorporates qualifying criteria for municipalities for participation in the project and to ensure the readiness of participating municipalities to sustain investments.
“Improved solid waste and plastic management is critical for Cambodia’s economic and social development, including its tourism sector,” said Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia. “Marine plastic pollution is a transboundary issue, and this will support marine plastic solutions at the national level. This project will also support greater access for households to regular waste collection, and with increased landfill, recycling, and composting capacity, there will be positive impacts for public health, the environment, and tourism.”
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport together with the relevant sub-national administrations.
