Cambodian Minister Inspects Safe Water Supply Project in Kampong Thom

His Excellency Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, along with leaders and technical officials from the Ministry and the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Rural Development, inspected a community safe drinking water production station operated by the NGO "Water 1001" on the morning of August 4, 2026. The station is located within the premises of Baray Commune Hall, in Krasang Chey Village, Baray Commune, Baray District, Kampong Thom Province. The inspection was also attended by the Governor of Baray District, the Managing Director of "Water 1001" and her colleagues, as well as commune and village authorities and the school principal, who represent the beneficiary citizens. According to a direct presentation by a representative of the NGO, "Water 1001" is a local non-governmental organization that has been implementing activities to supply safe drinking water to the rural population of Cambodia since 2005. To date, the organization has constructed and put into operation 350 drinking water production stations in 350 target communes across 128 districts in 18 target provinces throughout Cambodia. In Kampong Thom Province, "Water 1001" is operating 26 community drinking water production stations (one of which is non-operational), supplying safe water to a total of 96,312 residents and 20,183 students. The community water production station located at Baray Commune Hall has the capacity to produce 200 20-liter bidons of water per day, benefiting 4,948 people (930 households) in 12 villages within Baray Commune, Baray District. Furthermore, this community water production station also supplies water to students at two schools: Baray Primary School and Chi Oak Primary School in Baray Commune, serving a total of 833 students. During the inspection of the achievements, His Excellency the Minister expressed his gratitude to "Water 1001" for its support in supplying safe water to the people in target rural areas across Cambodia. He also thanked the local authorities at all levels for their excellent cooperation with partner organizations, facilitating their work effectively. Concurrently, His Excellency the Minister briefed attendees on the strategy and goals of the Ministry of Rural Development to improve the quality of life and living standards of people in rural areas. He stated that the ministry is focusing on safe water supply and rural sanitation to ensure that rural populations receive safe water supply and sanitation services equitably, inclusively, resiliently, and sustainably. His Excellency the Minister also requested "Water 1001" to consider the possibility of expanding the scope of safe water supply to people in other provinces, especially those around Tonle Sap Lake and along the Mekong River, where groundwater has high levels of arsenic. In addition, His Excellency the Minister urged local authorities to continue disseminating information to the public on the economical use of clean water, strict adherence to proper hygiene practices to prevent infectious diseases, and to maintain these achievements in good condition for the long-term benefit of the people. Source: CPP Cambodia