Cambodia Boosts Safe Drinking Water Access in Rural Areas, NGO Operates 350 Facilities Since 2005

Kampong Thom Province – On Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026, Minister of Rural Development, H.E. Chhay Rithisen, inspected a community safe water production station operated by the NGO 'Water 1001' in Krasang Chay village, Baray commune, Baray district. The inspection was attended by provincial leadership, technical officers from the Ministry and the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Rural Development, the Director of Baray district, the Director of 'Water 1001', colleagues, and commune and village authorities, along with school principals representing the beneficiaries. According to a presentation by the NGO's representative, 'Water 1001' is a local non-governmental organization that has been providing safe drinking water to rural populations in Cambodia since 2005. Currently, the organization has constructed and operationalized 350 water production stations in 350 target communes across 128 districts in 18 target provinces nationwide. In Kampong Thom province, 'Water 1001' has 26 community drinking water production stations in operation (one station is non-operational), supplying safe water to a total of 96,312 residents and 20,183 students. The community water production station located at the Baray commune hall has the capacity to produce 200 20-liter bottles per day, serving 4,948 people from 930 families in 12 villages within Baray commune. Furthermore, this community water production station supplies water to students at two schools: Baray Primary School and Chi Oak Primary School, with a total of 833 students using the water. H.E. Minister Chhay Rithisen expressed his gratitude to 'Water 1001' for their support in providing safe water to people in target rural areas across Cambodia. He also thanked local authorities at all levels for their excellent cooperation with partner organizations, facilitating their work efficiently. The Minister briefed attendees on the Ministry of Rural Development's strategies and goals to enhance the quality of life for rural populations, emphasizing the ministry's focus on safe water supply and rural sanitation improvement to ensure equitable, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable access to services for rural communities. The Minister also requested 'Water 1001' to explore possibilities for expanding the scope of safe water supply to other provinces, particularly those around Tonle Sap Lake and along the Mekong River, where groundwater can have high levels of arsenic. He urged local authorities to continue public awareness campaigns for residents on the economical use of water and strict adherence to proper hygiene practices to prevent infectious diseases, and to maintain these achievements for the long-term benefit of the community. Source: Ministry of Rural Development