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PHNOM PENH, 26 August 2010 (IRIN) – Late rains and record low water levels in Cambodia’s two main fresh water systems will affect food security and the livelihoods of millions, government officials and NGOs warn.

“We expect the impact to be very strong,” said Nao Thuok, director of the Fisheries Administration, adding that low water levels along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers were already limiting fish production and migration.

Crucial spawning grounds in floodplains along the rivers remained dry. “The places where the fish usually lay their eggs do not have much water so the fish population will decrease a lot,” he warned.

Approximately six million Cambodians or 45 percent of the population depend on fishing in the Mekong and Tonle Sap basins, the government’s Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, reports.

Read the full story at IRIN

The agriculture ministry aims to supply clean water to 85 percent of population this year but an official is worried the country will face water shortage if the government does not protect the resource.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said it would try to ensure that 70 percent of houses in rural areas have hygienic toilets and 70 percent of breeding farmers have hygienic breeding facilities this year.

Schools, including kindergartens, medical stations, markets and other public facilities in rural areas are also foci of the ministry plan.

Read the full story at Thanh Nien News