Cambodia Achieves Open Defecation-Free Status in 6 Provinces, 7 More Expected by Year End

• 19 April 2024
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Cambodia is making significant strides in achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status across its provinces. Presently, six provinces have successfully attained ODF status, with plans to announce seven more by the year’s end.

The progress was revealed during a pivotal meeting chaired by HE Chhay Rithi Sen, Minister of Rural Development, on 18 April 2024. Discussions centred on Cambodia’s rural water supply and sanitation strategy aimed at achieving universal coverage by 2030.

According to the report presented at the meeting, Cambodia is poised to declare seven additional provincial capitals as ODF by the end of 2024. These provinces include Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Ratanakkiri, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom.

By 2023, Cambodia had achieved an impressive 83.3% basic rural water coverage rate and an 86.6% basic rural sanitation coverage rate. Notably, six provinces—Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, and Kep—have already eradicated open defecation.

To meet the ambitious goal of 100% water supply and sanitation coverage in rural areas by 2030, HE Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between the ministry’s specialised departments and provincial rural development offices. Efforts will focus on updating data on various water supply and sanitation systems, including pump wells, community ponds, drinking water stations, rainwater filtration systems, and clean toilets.

• Energy and Environment