AKP Phnom Penh, March 03, 2025 --  

Battambang has been declared free of open defecation, making it the 17th province of Cambodia to reach the milestone.

An official ceremony to announce the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status was held in the provincial city on Monday under the presidency of H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development and Battambang Provincial Governor H.E. Sok Lou.

In his report, H.E. Sok Lou said 95.59 percent of the total 247,858 households in Battambang province are using private toilets, while 4.41 percent others are using shared toilets.

Addressing the function, 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.

H.E. Minister added that the ministry has been implementing the National Action Plan on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene, which has achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.80 percent, including a water coverage rate of 86.09 percent and sanitation rate of 91.47 percent. By 2030, he continued, the people across the country will have sufficient clean water and 100 percent sanitation, and live in a sustainable environment.

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, Kampong Thom, and Pailin.

By Phal Sophanith