Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 5 – Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithi Sen presided over the Recognition Ceremony of Takeo Province for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, with a total of 1,416 participants, on Thursday (Dec. 5) in Takeo Province.

According to a report by Takeo Governor Vy Samnang, the province has 210,121 households, with 94.85 per cent having access to rural water supply and sanitation. Additionally, 100 per cent of households have access to toilets, of which 209,308 households (94.49 per cent) use private toilets, while 12,200 households (5.51 per cent) use public facilities. Furthermore, 100 per cent of households have handwashing facilities with soap and safe drinking water storage at the back of their houses.

Minister Chhay Rithi Sen commended Takeo Province for its progress and achievements across various fields, including security, order, economy, society, and culture. He particularly highlighted the province's success in improving living conditions by enhancing access to clean water and sanitation services, culminating in its attainment of ODF status.

He added that the Ministry of Rural Development is actively implementing the National Action Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene. Currently, nationwide water and sanitation coverage stands at 88.80 per cent, with 86.09 per cent access to clean water and 91.47 per cent sanitation coverage. The Ministry aims to achieve 100 per cent coverage by 2030.

As of today, 13 provinces have achieved open defecation free (ODF) status, including Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, Tbong Khmum, Phnom Penh (ODF Plus), and Takeo as the 13th province.
=FRESH NEWS