AKP Phnom Penh, January 17, 2025 -- 

Kampong Thom province, Cambodia's second largest province by area, has been declared free of open defecation, thus becoming the 15th province to obtain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

An official ceremony to announce the ODF status of the province was held in the provincial city on Jan. 16 under the presidency of H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development and Kampong Thom Provincial Governor H.E. Nuon Pharath.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Noun Pharath highlighted that all the 174,760 households in Kampong Thom province use toilets, of which 162,872 using private toilets, equivalent to 93.20 percent, and 11,888 others using shared toilets, equivalent to 6.80 percent.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen expressed appreciation for the progress and achievements that Kampong Thom province has made in all sectors, especially in the improvement of the people’s living conditions through enhancing the provision of clean water and sanitation services.

He added that the ministry has been implementing the National Action Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, which has achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.80 percent, including a water coverage rate of 86.09 percent and sanitation rate of 91.47 percent. By 2030, he continued, the people across the country will have sufficient clean water and 100 percent sanitation, and live in a sustainable environment.

The other provinces and capital that have already been granted the ODF status are Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Cham, Rattanakiri, Siem Reap, Thbong Khmum, Takeo, and Stung Treng.

By Phal Sophanith