PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian social enterprise that began as a donor-supported clean water initiative has transitioned into full local ownership, marking a milestone in the country’s development journey from aid reliance to locally led solutions.
International NGO iDE Cambodia announced on Thursday (Feb 26) the handover of Hydrologic Social Enterprise Co. Ltd, the producer of the Tunsai ceramic water filter, to its Cambodian management team.
The transition places the company under the leadership of Sam Sothea, who will guide the enterprise as an independent Cambodian-owned entity.
The move concludes a 25-year process that began in the early 2000s, when unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation were linked to thousands of deaths annually in Cambodia, most of them among children under five.
At the time, access to affordable household water treatment options in rural areas was extremely limited.
“Hydrologic grew out of efforts to introduce a simple ceramic filtration technology capable of removing 99.99 per cent of bacteria from drinking water,” explained iDE Cambodia.
“After years of pilot testing and refinement, the initiative was formally registered in 2010 as a social enterprise designed to operate sustainably while expanding access to safe water,” it said.
Rather than relying on free distribution, the model focused on local production and rural market networks to ensure long-term viability.
Over time, the enterprise expanded nationwide. iDE Cambodia said since its establishment as a social enterprise, more than 700,000 filters have been sold, improving access to safe drinking water for over two million people across rural Cambodia.
Water samples are regularly tested at accredited laboratories to maintain quality standards, and the filters meet internationally recognised guidelines for bacterial removal.
In addition to public health benefits, the filters have contributed to environmental protection.
By reducing the need to boil water with firewood or charcoal, the technology has helped lower carbon emissions and ease pressure on forest resources.
The enterprise has also secured carbon certification under the Gold Standard framework, with revenue from verified emission reductions supporting further outreach in underserved communities.
Michael Roberts, CEO of iDE, described the transition as a reflection of long-term investment in local capacity.
“What began as a grant-funded programme is now an independent Cambodian enterprise improving public health, protecting the environment and creating local jobs,” he said.
Under the new ownership structure, Sothea assumes full leadership after more than a decade with the organisation.
She joined Hydrologic as finance manager in 2015 and was appointed general manager in 2021.
Her appointment as owner represents a notable example of women’s leadership in Cambodia’s social enterprise and manufacturing sectors.
The company operates a production facility in Kampong Chhnang province, supporting local employment and domestic supply chains.
Going forward, it will continue to focus on expanding safe water access while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our mission remains clear: delivering high-quality, affordable safe water to every home while building a strong and ethical Cambodian enterprise,” Sothea said.
Development practitioners note that the handover illustrates a broader shift in Cambodia’s development landscape, where locally led enterprises are increasingly expected to sustain social impact beyond donor funding cycles.
For many rural families, the transition changes little in their daily routines. The Tunsai filter remains a household tool for safe drinking water.
But at an institutional level, the shift to Cambodian ownership represents a deeper transformation — one that signals growing confidence in local leadership to carry forward solutions first introduced through international support. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
