Banteay Meanchey: Banteay Meanchey has been declared open defecation free (ODF), making it the 18th province to reach this milestone. An official ceremony to announce the ODF status was held in the provincial city on April 1 under the presidency of Minister of Rural Development H.E. Chhay Rithisen and Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor H.E. Oum Reatrey.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Oum Reatrey stated that 170,299 households in Banteay Meanchey province are now using toilets. Among these households, 163,049, or 95.74 percent, are using private toilets while the remainder utilize shared latrines.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen acknowledged the province’s improvement in access to sanitation and clean water. Other capitals and provinces that have achieved ODF status include 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, Battambang, and Pailin.

Cambodia currently has 87.4 percent coverage of clean water access and 92.4 percent basic sanitation access. The country aims for 100 percent water and sanitation coverage nationwide by 2030.