Water Management in Housing Developments on Wetlands

Phnom Penh’s rapid urban expansion has led to the large-scale conversion of wetlands into residential areas, undermining natural flood protection and accelerating environmental degradation. While previous studies have examined wetland loss and urban governance challenges in Cambodia, few have compared water management practices between Borey (gated communities) and non-Borey (non-gated) on both wetland and non-wetland. This study addresses that gap through a mixed-methods approach combining GIS mapping, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews with 27 stakeholders. Results show that while Borey developments feature planned layouts and green areas, these are predominantly decorative and provide limited flood mitigation. Non-Borey projects, particularly on wetlands, face severe flood risks due to inadequate drainage and minimal green space. Weak enforcement of wetland protection laws, fragmented governance, and the absence of water-sensitive design standards exacerbate these problems. Policy recommendations include mandating nature-based solutions, integrating Water Sensitive Urban Design principles into all housing developments, and strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations. By reframing wetlands as essential urban infrastructure, Phnom Penh can balance housing growth with climate resilience.