AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2025 --

Pailin has been declared open defecation free (ODF), making it the 16th province to reach the milestone.

An official ceremony to announce the ODF status was held in the provincial city on Feb. 18 under the presidency of H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development and Pailin Provincial Governor H.E. Mrs. Ban Sreymom.

H.E. Mrs. Ban Sereymom said that the 18,113 households in Pailin province are now using toilets, of which 17,144 (95 percent) are using private toilets and 969 others are using shared latrines.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen appreciated the province's progress and other achievements, contributing to the improvement of the people’s living conditions, including through enhancing the provision of clean water and sanitation services.

The other capital and provinces that have achieved ODF status are Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Cham, Rattanakiri, Siem Reap, Thbong Khmum, Takeo, Stung Treng, and Kampong Thom.

By Phal Sophanith