Kampong Thom Province Holds Technical Meeting on Rural Water Supply, Sanitation

Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia – The Department of Rural Development of Kampong Thom Province convened a technical working group meeting on rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene to review the achievements of the first half of 2026 and set the work direction for the second half of the year. The meeting, held on July 31, 2026, was presided over by Mr. Tang Meng Lean, Deputy Governor of Kampong Thom Province, and attended by Mr. Tan Vasna, Director of the Department of Rural Development of Kampong Thom Province, as well as leaders from the department, provincial units, and district/city governors and deputy governors, and many relevant officials. Mr. Tan Vasna welcomed the presiding official and all attendees, emphasizing the successful implementation of clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in rural areas through the close cooperation of the Department of Rural Development, relevant institutions, development partners, and all levels of authorities. This effort has led to Kampong Thom Province achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 2025 and setting a target for high-level ODF (ODF+) by 2030. To achieve the ODF+ goal, the Provincial Director stressed the necessity of joint efforts between the provincial department and district/city administrations, relevant institutions, development partners, and particularly the direct involvement of local communities. Communities are expected to assist in organizing and managing hygiene data, educating residents, promoting the construction and use of toilets in every household, and requesting support from development partners for target villages and communes within districts to meet the ODF+ plan. Mr. Tang Meng Lean stated that the government of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly, under the dynamic and wise leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet, is committed to protecting and preserving peace and further developing the nation. Key priorities have been set as people, roads, water, electricity, and technology (digital) to achieve Cambodia's vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. The Deputy Governor further added that to contribute to the implementation of the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy, the Ministry of Rural Development has launched a Rural Development Strategic Plan. This plan aims to enhance the quality and value of life for people in rural areas, ensuring inclusivity in economic, social, and cultural aspects. The objective is to enable rural residents to live decent, resilient, healthy lives in a good and sustainable environment with dignity, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and promoting national economic development. Concurrently, the Deputy Governor urged all levels of authorities, relevant institutions, and development partners to continue their contributions to strengthening clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in Kampong Thom Province. This is to improve the quality of life and well-being of the residents and to promote sustainable socio-economic development. Source: AKP Khmer