Pailin province has officially been recognized as Cambodia’s 16th Open Defecation-Free (ODF) province, a milestone marked by a ceremony presided over by Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development. The event, held on February 18 at the Pailin Provincial Police Headquarters, gathered approximately 1,430 participants.
Pailin Governor Ban Sreymom highlighted the province’s progress in sanitation and clean water access. Home to 18,113 households across 74 villages, the province now boasts full toilet coverage. Among these, 95 percent of households have private toilets, while 5 percent use shared facilities. Urban and rural areas have also made significant strides, with both cities and all eight communes achieving 100 percent ODF certification. Additionally, 60 of the 93 villages (61 percent) are ODF-certified, while 38 villages (39 percent) have reached the enhanced ODF Plus status.
Beyond sanitation, Pailin has advanced rural development through infrastructure improvements, job creation, and expanded access to clean water, health education, and sanitation services. These initiatives align with the Royal Government’s vision for improved public health and quality of life.
Plan International Cambodia’s deputy country director reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts. Development partners have played a crucial role in achieving ODF status in Pailin by implementing water and sanitation projects aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing living conditions.
Minister Chhay Rithisen commended Pailin’s achievements across various sectors, particularly improvements in sanitation, security, economy, and social well-being. He praised the province’s success in eliminating open defecation and encouraged continued collaboration among authorities and stakeholders to sustain ODF status and progress towards ODF Plus.
The minister attributed these accomplishments to Cambodia’s peace and stability, made possible through national leadership. He acknowledged the contributions of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the architect of the win-win policy, and Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visionary leadership in fostering national unity and development.
Chhay Rithisen reaffirmed the Ministry of Rural Development’s dedication to implementing the National Action Plan on Water Supply, Sanitation, and Rural Sanitation. As of now, Cambodia has achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.8 percent, with water supply at 86.09 percent and sanitation at 91.47 percent. The government aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
Pailin joins 15 other capital cities and provinces that have achieved ODF and ODF Plus status, including Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, Tbong Khmum, Takeo, Stung Treng, and Kampong Thom.
Source: Fresh News
