A man walks pass makeshift public toilets, built for people’s use on national holidays. - PPP/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving 100 per cent rural sanitation coverage by 2030, noting Cambodia’s steady progress toward universal access to clean water and safe sanitation as a key pillar of national development.
In a message commemorating the 16th National Rural Sanitation Day for November 13, the prime minister hailed the country’s historic achievements in expanding sanitation services, noting that 95 per cent of rural households now have access to sanitation, up from 90 per cent in 2024.
He noted that all 25 capital-provinces have been declared open defecation-free (ODF), covering more than 14,500 villages, 1,652 communes and 163 districts nationwide.
“This remarkable progress clearly demonstrates how the Royal Government, all stakeholders and citizens across the country have worked together with great care and determination to improve sanitation and public health,” Manet said, in his November 7 message.
He emphasised that rural sanitation remains a priority under phase one of the governments Pentagonal Strategy and the political programme of the 7th mandate, which aims to strengthen rural development, expand water supply coverage and enhance living conditions in rural areas.
Manet expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Rural Development, relevant ministries, institutions, development partners and non-governmental organisations for their collective efforts in promoting sanitation.
He called for continued cooperation to sustain these achievements and push forward toward the 2030 target.
“I encourage all relevant parties to continue their cooperation and pay more attention so that rural sanitation in Cambodia will further improve, leading to the full realisation of the government’s goals,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, he also stressed the need for inclusive access to sanitation services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups such as poor families, indigenous communities, widows, people with disabilities and those living in remote or disadvantaged areas.
To ensure long-term sustainability, he urged the Ministry of Rural Development and related institutions to strengthen data management mechanisms, seek new climate-resilient sanitation technologies and mobilise additional support from development partners and the private sector.
The prime minister also encouraged local authorities to help communities that have achieved basic-level ODF status to reach higher levels of sanitation and maintain these standards over time. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
