Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority — Cyborg Score 9/10
Exceptional
Water Utilities & Infrastructure
Strategic Profile
The company was bankrupt in 1993 and by 2017, it was outperforming utilities in LA or London & is set to meet SDG 6 early. PWSA has a clear strategy to expand the water distribution network to the surrounding areas of Phnom Penh based on the extension of water treatment facilities, keeping the same tariff and standard for Phnom Penh, and a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Non-revenue water was reduced from 72% in 1996 to 6% in 2010, and the number of staff per 1,000 connections was reduced from 22 to 3 in 2010, indicating substantially increased labor productivity. PWSA declared a profit of KHR 52.09 billion ($12.59 million) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, a rise of 35.62 percent compared to the same period last year.
Top Insights
Visionary & long-term leadership built transparency & internal competencies that helped it secure financial support; it quickly proved itself a good business partner.
PWSA is expanding its service coverage to unserved areas by filling up its coverage with distribution networks in Phnom Penh and its surrounding areas, in particular, the economically potential zones.
The utility has created a retirement system for its employees which is the first of its kind in Cambodia.
Key challenges ahead include treating wastewater and dealing with the impacts of climate change, with wastewater regulation and treatment penetration being key conundrums for developing countries.
Named Competitors
Provincial Water Authorities — Regional water supply competitors in other Cambodian cities
Regional Water Utilities — Regional competitors in East Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta
Recent Developments
(June 2024) Q1 2024 profit rose 35.62% to KHR 52.09 billion ($12.59 million)
(2023) Finalized $103.3 million contract with VINCI Construction Grands Projets for the design and construction of the third drinking water treatment plant in Bakheng
(2023) Expanded customer base and service coverage to unserved areas with distribution networks in economically potential zones
Open the full interactive Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority report
30-page strategic research, 15-min analyst-debate audio briefing, full Cyborg Score breakdown across 11 dimensions.