Siem Reap Becomes Cambodia’s 10th Open Defecation-Free Province, Leading the Way for a Cleaner Future

• Sommana Yan
• 4 October 2024
• Local News
• 2213 Views

Siem Reap has officially become Cambodia’s 10th province to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status, a milestone announced on 26 September 2024. This accomplishment is part of a national effort to eradicate open defecation across the country, following in the footsteps of Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, and Ratanakiri.

The announcement ceremony, led by HE Chhay Rithi Sen, Minister of Rural Development, was attended by over 2,000 people, further reinforcing Cambodia’s dedication to improving sanitation and public health services.

Minister Chhay Rithi Sen emphasized that every household in Siem Reap now has access to private or shared toilets, marking a significant step in the province’s progress. He highlighted how improved water and sanitation services had transformed communities, enabling them to switch from drinking unsafe water and practicing open defecation to using modern toilets, resulting in a more civilized way of living.

During the ceremony, Mr. Ung Kimleang, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, presented the province’s ODF verification results. Data revealed that 94% of households now have private toilets, while 6% use shared facilities. Additionally, 100% of households now have access to soap for handwashing, safe drinking water, and a clean backyard environment free of waste.

Three more provinces are expected to reach ODF status in 2024, further advancing Cambodia’s sanitation efforts. This progress is a crucial step toward achieving nationwide open defecation-free status across the 25 provincial capitals of Cambodia.

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