Major Dam Project in North-Western Cambodia Boosts Water Security and Agricultural Resilience
AKP Phnom Penh, December 01, 2025
The Dauntri Dam, a landmark water infrastructure project with a total storage capacity of 163 million cubic metres, has been officially completed in north-western Cambodia.
The reservoir is set to significantly enhance irrigation capacity, strengthen agricultural output, and provide improved flood control for the region. Located in Battambang province’s Rukhak Kiri district, the dam, whose construction began in 2018, represents a major investment in Cambodia’s water security.
It is designed to irrigate approximately 33,000 hectares of farmland during the rainy season and 4,500 hectares during the critical dry season, helping to mitigate the impact of drought and enabling more stable year-round production.
The extensive irrigation network serves 11 communes across Moung Russey and Rukhak Kiri districts in Battambang, as well as Bakan district in neighbouring Pursat province. Beyond agriculture, the reservoir will contribute to the supply of clean water and help protect downstream areas from seasonal flooding.
The completion of the Dauntri Dam aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strategic focus on strengthening national water-resource infrastructure. The development of large-scale reservoirs is a key element of the Government’s policy to secure agricultural production — a sector that is vital to the national economy and food security.
Water-resource management remains one of the five core priorities of Cambodia’s Rectangular Strategy. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology is the lead agency responsible for implementing this strategic vision through projects such as the Dauntri Dam.
The Royal Government continues to prioritise the expansion and modernisation of irrigation systems. These investments are essential not only for enhancing agricultural productivity but also for supporting rural livelihoods, ensuring access to clean water, and building resilience to climate-related challenges such as floods and droughts.
