Phnom Penh: Oddar Meanchey has been declared open defecation free (ODF), making it the 19th province to reach the milestone. An official ceremony to announce the ODF status was held in the provincial city on April 7 under the presidency of Minister of Rural Development H.E. Chhay Rithisen.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Mr. Khin Nhan, Deputy Governor of Oddar Meanchey province, stated that all residents in the 308 villages in 5 Sangkats and 14 communes of Oddar Meanchey province’s 5 cities and districts are now using toilets. About 92 percent of them are using private toilets, while the rest are using shared latrines, he added.

H.E. Chhay Rithisen appreciated the province’s improvement in terms of its access to sanitation as well as clean water. 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, Battambang, Pailin, and Banteay Meanchey.

Cambodia has 87.4 percent coverage of clean water access and 92.4 percent basic sanitation access, and the country targets 100 percent water and sanitation coverage across the country by 2030.