Nine-province, US$95mil sanitation infrastructure project breaks ground
PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Rural Development has officially launched a major construction and rehabilitation project which focuses on clean water supply and rural sanitation. The initiative, which targets nine provinces, has a total budget of more than US$95 million.
The June 10 inauguration ceremony was presided over by rural development minister Chhay Rithisen, at Veal Den Secondary School in Veal Den village, Anlong Chrey commune, in Stung Treng province's Thala Barivat district.
Ministry spokesman Pit Karuna noted on June 11 that the groundbreaking in Stung Treng was held simultaneously with eight other provinces. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026, as part of the Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement Sector Development Programme.
Tith Sophea, programme director, explained that the total budget is US$95.14 million. The Cambodian government is contributing US$2.14 million, while the remaining US$93 million is being financed through concessional loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank.
As part of the US$93 million, a US$3 million grant comes from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.
The overall programme is being implemented over five years, from 2024 to 2029, in nine target provinces: Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Speu and Kampot. It will benefit approximately 88,000 households in 400 villages across 50 communes.
During the Stung Treng ceremony, Rithisen reiterated that the Ministry will continue to implement the National Action Plan on rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Currently, the coverage rate for clean water and sanitation across the country stands at 92 per cent. Specifically, 89 per cent of rural areas have access to basic clean water, and 95 per cent have access to basic sanitation services.
He also noted that 21 provinces and capital have achieved Open Defecation Free status — both standard and enhanced levels — including Stung Treng.
The Minister highlighted broad progress across all sectors, including security, public order, economy, social affairs and culture.
He emphasised improvements in people's living conditions, especially through enhanced access to clean water and sanitation services. These services have improved public health, encouraged people to consume clean water, and helped establish civilised hygiene habits, such as proper toilet use.
The groundbreaking event was attended by almost 900 participants.
They included Phay Bunchhoeun, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Government's Task Force for Stung Treng, senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Cheang Lak, chairman of the Provincial Council and Stung Treng provincial governor Sor Soputra.
Also present were members of the provincial council, representatives from provincial programme implementers, development partners, and representatives of both national and international organisations.
The Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Sector Development Programme supports government efforts to provide universal access to safely managed water supply services and basic hygiene facilities in rural areas and improve access to safely managed sanitation facilities, while also addressing affordability.
It helps finance the expansion of WASH facilities in the provinces where poor rural residents face the greatest challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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