Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 16 – Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithi Sen announced the recognition of Stung Treng province achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status on Monday (Dec. 16) in Stung Treng Province with a total of 2,234 participants.

Stung Treng Governor Sar Soputra informed the ceremony that in Stung Treng Province, the number of households with toilets is 29,958, or 100 percent, of which 28,077 households use private toilets, or 93.72 per cent, and 1,881 households use communal toilets, or 6.28 per cent.

During the ceremony, the governor provided an overview of the province’s geographical situation and its development achievements. Representatives from Plan International also presented on the situation of clean water supply and sanitation in an effort to promote rural sanitation, especially in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, to help other provinces that have not yet achieved the goal of ending open defecation.

Minister Chhay Rithi Sen expressed high appreciation for Stung Treng Province’s progress and achievements across various sectors, including security, economic growth, social development, and cultural preservation. He particularly commended the improvement in living conditions through enhanced clean water and sanitation services, culminating in the province’s accomplishment of becoming entirely open defecation free.

Chhay Rithi Sen attributed these achievements to the lasting peace in Cambodia, made possible through the tireless efforts and sacrifices of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the father of peace and unity through his win-win policy. He also credited the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet for driving continued progress.

The minister further underlined that the Ministry of Rural Development is actively implementing the National Action Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, which has resulted in a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.80 per cent. This includes 86.09 per cent water coverage and 91.47 per cent sanitation coverage. The ministry has set a goal to ensure all citizens across Cambodia have access to clean water and 100 per cent sanitation by 2030, contributing to a sustainable living environment.

As of today, 14 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), Takeo and Stung Treng as the 14th province.
=FRESH NEWS