The rate of access to basic sanitation services in rural areas has increased along with declarations of ODF status. PLAN INTERNATIONAL
The Ministry of Rural Development plans to achieve rural sanitation coverage of 90 per cent by the end of next year. It noted that 49 per cent of the Kingdom’s villages had achieved open defection free (ODF) status by the end of 2022.
The goal was announced at a December 28 workshop in Phnom Penh, held to review media involvement in the field of clean water and sanitation.
Chim Charanay, an adviser to the ministry, said the goal meant ODF status would have to be achieved in as many as 12,700 villages, 600 communes, 30 districts and four provinces in the upcoming year.
He added that achieving ODF status is an important indicator of the positive change in the attitude of Cambodians in the practice of sanitation. This contributes significantly to the promotion of public health and is an important step towards achieving sustainable development goals.
According to a December 28 report from the ministry, three out of 25 provincial capitals have been awarded the status: Kandal, Svay Rieng and Prey Veng.
“At the village administration level, 7,085 – or 49 per cent – of the Kingdom’s 14,430 villages have won ODF status, while 7,710 villages – or 53 per cent –have raised awareness about sanitation and are encouraging the community to build and use toilets,” it added.
Lon Sayteng, director of the ministry’s Department of Rural Health Care, said next year’s goals were in line with the ministry’s assertion that it will achieve 100 per cent rural sanitation coverage by 2025.
He added that in order to achieve the set targets, all stakeholders, including the media, will need to cooperate.
“We have completed a lot of work, but the tasks that remain are among the most difficult. This includes sanitation in the context of poverty, which is a challenge that we must all address together. The involvement of all stakeholders is important because rural sanitation means sanitation for all,” he said.
Hang Hybunna, programme manager from Plan International, said that although the rate of access to basic sanitation services in rural areas has increased along with declarations of ODF status, Cambodia still faces challenges.
“We intend to increase our cooperation with the ministry. We will offer as much support as possible to assist it in meeting its 2025 goals,” he added.
“I believe we may be able to achieve it, but we have to remember that there are many geographical obstacles, with islands, mountains and rocky parts of the Kingdom that are difficult to access. Some of the people living in remote and indigenous areas will require changes in their mindset before they are likely to earn ODF status,” he added.
