An example of a purpose built toilet block in Kampot province. The rural development ministry believes the Kingdom will be declared 100 per cent open defecation free (ODF) by 2023. Rural Development Ministry
Six provinces are set to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the end of the year, bringing the number of provinces to achieve ODF status to 13 of Cambodia’s 25 capital and provinces.
Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithysen made the proud announcement during a June 4 media forum on the work of the ministry.
At present, Phnom Penh, as well as Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang and Kep provinces have earned the status.
Expected to join them this year are Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk.
“The ministry, together with the Preah Sihanouk provincial administration, will declare Preah Sihanouk officially ODF next week on June 13,” said Rithysen.
“The number of provinces that will be awarded ODF status by the end of the year is 13. It is clear that by the end of the current seventh-mandate government in 2030, every province will be announced as ODF,” he added.
Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche confirmed the achievement, describing the administration’s implementation of the ministry’s strategy as a great success.
He explained that the provincial authorities had raised public awareness about the importance of ending open defecation and have finally put an end to the issue.
“Open defecation affects hygiene, the environment, natural beauty and people’s health,” he added.
Kep province was declared ODF free in August 2023, by former Minister of Rural Development Ouk Rabun.
Current minister Rithysen explained that improving of the living standards of the Kingdom’s rural population through the supply of clean water and toilets is a major priority for the Ministry.
“From 2023 to the present, the ministry has distributed modern 28,000 toilets to households, as well as 73 shared toilets and 2,400 hand washing facilities. Ministry officials have also conducted 313 public education activities about the importance of good sanitation, reaching around 16,000 people,” he said.
He added that in order to provide clean water, in the past nine months the ministry has built over 2,000 clean water wells, 316 community ponds, 105 containers to store rainwater, two community drinking water stations and 127 community-based small scale clean water distribution systems.
At present, a clean water supply now reaches 83.3 per cent of the population nationwide.
“Almost every home now has its own toilet. Some rural homes even have two. I have been surprised when I visit rural areas, because nearly every home has a bathroom and toilet,” the minister said, adding that the coverage rate of toilets in rural areas is now at 86.6 per cent.
He believed that the ministry will be able to meet its goal of achieving 100 per cent access to toilets and sanitation.
Rithysen explained that when people have toilets and access to a clean water supply, it is certain that they will no longer practice open defecation.
“By ending open defecation, we will avoid many infectious diseases and protect public health. In addition, access to clean drinking water means children will develop higher IQs. Our needs intelligent human resources to build a prosperous future,” he said.
In contrast, he said, without toilets and clean water, people would face health problems such as illnesses and a loss of income, as well as the expenses of medical treatment and the need for caregivers.
