Preah Vihear Achieves Open Defecation Free Status


Preah Vihear: Preah Vihear has become the 22nd province of Cambodia to achieve its open defecation free (ODF) status, with the Minister of Rural Development presiding over its official recognition.



According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, at the event on June 16, Preah Vihear Provincial Governor H.E. Kim Rithy and Operations Director at World Vision International Cambodia Mr. Ny Sopharan updated Minister of Rural Development H.E. Chhay Rithsen on sanitation and water supply achievements and milestones of the province freeing itself from open defecation.



H.E. Chhay Rithsen was impressed by the progress of Preah Vihear, contributing essentially to the improved standard of living of the locals, particularly their behaviour change in using latrines and drinking clean water for a healthy lifestyle.



According to the Minister, Cambodia has by far achieved a nationwide water and hygiene coverage rate of nearly 92 percent and rural sanitation of about 95 percent.



The country is determined to reach 100 percent of clean water access and essential sanitation practice by 2030, he added.