Phnom penh: Cambodia has reached a historic milestone as the entire nation is now officially Open Defecation Free (ODF), following the recognition of Koh Kong as the 25th and final province to achieve ODF status.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, presided over the official ceremony held this morning at the Koh Kong Provincial Hall, marking this significant national achievement. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, H.E. Thong Narong, Chairman of the Provincial Council, H.E. Mrs. Chhi Va, Governor of Koh Kong province, along with civil servants, armed forces, youth, students, and citizens.
The report delivered by the Provincial Governor indicated that living standards in Koh Kong have significantly improved, leading to more modern and hygienic practices. The province, with a population of 156,107 people (36,608 households), has achieved 96.85 percent access to clean water and 100 percent use of hygienic latrines.
Mr. Yi Kimthan, Acting Country Director of Plan International Cambodia, speaking on behalf of development partners, extended his congratulations and pride in both Koh Kong's ODF achievement and Cambodia's nationwide success. He highlighted that this milestone reflects the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Rural Development, development partners, and NGOs, and reaffirmed their continued commitment to advancing high-level ODF standards across the country.
In his address, H.E. Chhay Rithisen praised Koh Kong's progress and the people's improved living conditions, particularly through access to clean water and the proper use of hygienic latrines. He noted that over the past two years, 19 provinces have successfully achieved ODF status, culminating today in Koh Kong's recognition as the 25th province. These achievements, he said, reflect the transformation of daily habits among Cambodians, from consuming clean water and using sanitary latrines to maintaining a healthy environment, all contributing to better health, disease prevention, and increased life expectancy, which is the aspiration of all Cambodians.
H.E. Chhay Rithisen added that the Ministry continues to implement the National Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, which has so far achieved 91.98 percent national coverage for clean water and sanitation, with the firm goal of reaching 100 percent by 2030. He also called on all stakeholders to remain actively engaged and work together to overcome challenges, further strengthening rural sanitation and ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.