The Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Administration, held a workshop last week to assess the open defecation free (ODF) status of the province. The conference was attended by ministry officials, local authorities and partner organisations.

“The outcome of the workshop was that Kampong Chhnang has been awarded the ODF status,” said a statement by the provincial department of rural development.

It explained that the status was confirmed by a national-level team.

Rural development ministry secretary of state Chrun Theravath said that the team worked with partner organisations and the local administration to verify the results of the assessment.

He added that improved sanitation was an important necessity for all Cambodians, especially those in rural areas, and has been set as a development priority by the government.

Kampong Chhnang provincial governor Sun Sovanrith noted on May 21 that the success was the result of the efforts of provincial authorities and district, commune and village officials, as well as the rural development ministry and its partners.

“We welcome the results and thank and congratulate people who worked so hard to achieve them. We will hold an official award ceremony with the Minister of Rural Development in the near future. We will also organise a celebration for members of the public,” he added.

He explained that the confirmation of ODF status was significant for the province, as it demonstrated the people’s commitment to excellent sanitation and meant that provincial communities will be less susceptible to diseases.