Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 16 – Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, presided over a ceremony on Thursday (Jan. 16) at Stung Sen Park, Kampong Thom Province, to officially recognise Kampong Thom Province as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
The event was attended by approximately 1,667 participants.
Kampong Thom Governor Nuon Pharath reported that all 174,760 households in the province now have access to toilets, achieving 100 per cent toilet usage. Of these, 162,872 households (93.20 per cent) use private toilets, while 11,888 households (6.80 per cent) rely on communal facilities.
He further underlined the progress in achieving ODF status across the province. All nine districts and cities in Kampong Thom have met the ODF criteria, with 81 communes achieving full ODF status and six communes reaching ODF Plus status. Of the 783 villages in the province, 547 are now certified as ODF, and 236 as ODF Plus.
The governor also highlighted the broader development achievements in Kampong Thom, including advancements in rural infrastructure, clean water supply, sanitation, job creation, health education, and public health initiatives, all contributing to improved living standards and the Royal Government's development vision.
Association Director for Operation at World Vision Cambodia Sun Malin praised the province’s success, the collaboration between World Vision and the Ministry of Rural Development in implementing water supply and sanitation projects, which have played a critical role in reducing malnutrition and improving public health.
Minister Chhay Rithisen commended Kampong Thom Province’s progress across all sectors, particularly its commitment to clean water and sanitation, which has directly enhanced the quality of life for residents. He stressed the importance of sustaining ODF achievements and called for continued efforts to expand water and sanitation services, particularly in maintaining ODF Plus status.
The minister attributed these accomplishments to the Royal Government’s peace and development policies, made possible through the win-win strategy of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the founder of Cambodia’s peace and national unity, and the continued leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Chhay Rithisen reaffirmed the Ministry of Rural Development’s commitment to implementing the National Action Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene. This plan has already achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of 88.80 per cent—86.09 percent for water and 91.47 per cent for sanitation—and aims to ensure 100 percent access to clean water and sanitation for all Cambodians by 2030.
Kampong Thom Province is the 15th province to achieve ODF status, joining other provinces including Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, Tbong Khmum, Takeo, and Stung Treng.
=FRESH NEWS
