Battambang: 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.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Sok Lou reported that 95.59 percent of the total 247,858 households in Battambang province are using private toilets, while 4.41 percent use shared toilets. Addressing the function, H.E. Chhay Rithisen acknowledged the province’s progress and achievements, contributing to the improvement of the people’s living conditions by enhancing 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. This plan has achieved a nationwide water and sanitation coverage rate of approximately 88.80 percent, with a water coverage rate of 86.09 percent and a sanitation rate of 91.47 percent. By 2030, the goal is for people across the country to have sufficient clean water, 100 percent sanitation, and a sustainable environment.

The other capital 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, and Pailin.