Singapore International Foundation Launches Third Phase of its Signature Programme - Water For Life (Siem Reap)

Siem Reap, Cambodia, 5 October 2022 – The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) launched the third phase of its signature Water for Life (WFL) project in Siem Reap today. The project will see Singapore International Volunteers (SIV) installing bio-sand water filters and conducting hygiene lessons with school children in the districts of Soutr Nikom and Chi Kraeng in Siem Reap.

WFL (Siem Reap) Phase 3 sees the return of in-person volunteering for the SIF’s overseas community service programme after the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Over the next two years, 160 SIVs are expected to install 600 bio-sand water filters and conduct basic hygiene classes for villagers and school children.

In partnership with Water for Cambodia and sponsored by Ngee Ann Development Pte Ltd, this phase of the project aims to provide more than 5,700 villagers in the two districts with access to clean water.

First launched in 2010 in Siem Reap, and in Kampong Speu in 2012, WFL has benefitted more than 74,000 villagers in Cambodia. So far, 1,210 volunteers from Singapore have installed more than 5,300 bio-sand filters. Beneficiaries have reported health improvements with an 85 per cent drop in the incidence of water borne diseases.

Nearly 2.5 million people in the rural areas of Cambodia still lack access to clean water. According to Cambodian reports, many children in rural communities are malnourished due to water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and intestinal parasitic infections. Studies have shown that bio-sand filters remove more than 90 per cent of harmful bacteria and nearly 100 per cent of parasites effectively from contaminated water.

Good personal hygiene is also essential in combatting diseases, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing education on this topic, WFL hopes to improve the health and hygiene conditions of rural communities involved in the project.

WFL contributes to the Cambodian government’s goal to provide every person in a rural community with sustained access to safe water and sanitation services, and a hygienic living environment by 2025.

On a global scale, WFL aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 to extend universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Mr Lian Wee Cheow, SIF Governor, said: “We are happy to return to Siem Reap where we first launched WFL 12 years ago. Over the years, we have improved access to clean water and provided hygiene education together with our Cambodian friends. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to make a meaningful difference to the health and hygiene of rural Cambodian communities.”

Mr Massimo Maio, Director of Operations, Water for Cambodia, said: “This is our third collaboration with the SIF for the WFL project. It complements our goal to provide clean, disease-free water and basic hygiene education for Cambodians. We look forward to another round of successes in Soutr Nikom and Chi Kraeng over the next two years.”

Mr Richard Lee, Chairman of Ngee Ann Development Pte Ltd said: “With access to clean water comes better health and an improved quality of life. Ngee Ann Development Pte Ltd is pleased to have supported the WFL project for 12 years and seen good results.”

WFL (Siem Reap) Phase 3 marks another milestone in the 20-year friendship between the SIF and Cambodia. This community programme has allowed Singaporeans and Cambodians to forge cross-border friendships while contributing positively to the development of the rural communities in Cambodia.