Battambang (FN), Mar. 3 – Cambodian Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithisen presided over the ceremony recognising Battambang province as the 17th province to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
The event was held at Battambang Youth Park, with the participation of the Permanent Secretary of State, Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State, ministry leaders, Uy Ry, Chairman of the Battambang Provincial Council, and Sok Lou, Governor of Battambang Province. Also in attendance were members of the Provincial Council, Deputy Governors, the Provincial Working Group (PWG), representatives of development partners, national and international organisations, local authorities, the three armed forces, civil servants, teachers, students, citizens, and national and international dignitaries, totalling approximately 2,200 participants.
Yi Kimthan, Deputy Country Director of Plan International and representative of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Development Partners in Cambodia, highlighted the collective efforts of Plan International and development partners in supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia to make Battambang a development model. Their contributions to the water supply and sanitation project have been key to the province’s success in eliminating open defecation.
Following a detailed progress report, Minister Chhay Rithisen expressed his deep appreciation for Battambang's achievements across security, public order, economy, society, and culture. He particularly commended improvements in living standards, clean water access, and sanitation services, culminating in the province’s Open Defecation-Free status. The Minister urged the provincial administration and stakeholders to continue strengthening rural water supply and sanitation initiatives, particularly by implementing mechanisms to sustain ODF status and progress towards ODF Plus.
The minister further emphasised that these achievements were made possible due to Cambodia’s lasting peace, which he attributed to the leadership and sacrifices of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the architect of the Win-Win Policy, as well as the visionary leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He also introduced the five strategic priorities of the Ministry of Rural Development, with the overarching goal of building a prosperous, innovative, digital, and resilient rural Cambodia in economic, social, and cultural aspects.
Regarding the water and sanitation program, the minister stated that the Ministry has been continuing to implement the National Action Plan on Water Supply, Sanitation and Rural Sanitation, which has achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.80%, including a basic water and sanitation coverage rate of 86.09% and a basic rural sanitation rate of 91.47%.
The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that by 2030, all Cambodian citizens will have adequate access to clean water and 100% sanitation practices, contributing to a sustainable living environment.
As of today, 17 capital cities and provinces have achieved ODF and ODF Plus status, with Battambang being the latest addition.
=FRESH NEWS
