Czech firms are looking into building constructed wetlands in Cambodia as a solution to the country´s wastewater concerns. On 19^th August in Slorkram commune, Siem Reap province, Dekonta and IPR Aqua companies have handed over their first constructed wetland facility to Krousar Tmey Child Protection Center.  The opening ceremony was witnessed by the Czech Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Mr. Marek Libricky and Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province H.E. Mr. Pin Prakod.

The location was chosen following a feasibility study conducted in various Cambodian provinces. After the completion of the facility, the Czech private sector hopes to supply more wastewater technologies to local recipients. In order to launch their initial project in Slorkram commune, the  Czech Development Agency  has provided its support on a cost-sharing basis. The Slorkram commune  facility is now to be used as a show room to promote this technology to potential users in Cambodia.

“For the early phase, we have chosen Siem Reap. Local hotels and resorts could become users for our technology as it works at its best on a small scale. The aesthetic and environmental aspects are included and these clients require it. Based on our experience the performance is similar to conventional systems with an advantage of a very low-lost maintenance and typical picturesqueness.” explains Mr. Michal Šereš, manager responsible for the project.

Constructed wetlands are artificial wetlands, in which wastewater is purified by a combination of physical, chemical and biological processes, such as sedimentation, filtration, precipitation and microbial decomposition. Wastewater is discharged into an underground filtration beds covered with wetland plants. Organisms living on the roots of aquatic and marsh plants remove pollutants.  As a final step, cleansed water flows to the river, lake or it can be reused for the irrigation.

With water and sanitation being among priorities of Czech-Cambodian development cooperation, the Czech Republic is looking forward new ways and opportunities of cooperation in this sector. This time with a more business-oriented background to follow. “These projects are the next step to broaden our development cooperation, and let the corporate sector to play its crucial role and contribute. We have instruments that can help to  bridge both approaches if there is a local B2B potential. We can provide our support at the early stage and then the standard business oriented model follows,” explains Marek Libřický, Czech Ambassador to Cambodia, who witnessed the opening ceremony in Siem Reap. 

Besides artificial wetlands, the Czech Republic offers also Cambodia with other technologies for drinking water and wastewater treatment. “We have solutions for smaller or medium, as well as or large-scale projects” further explains Ambassador.