Phnom penh: The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has set a target to achieve 100 percent coverage of basic rural water supply and sanitation by 2030, in line with the Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the commitment was highlighted by H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of MRD, during a Validation and Dissemination Workshop on the Final Draft of the National Strategic Plan and National Action Plan for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, 2026-2033. The workshop was held in Phnom Penh and attended by Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Cambodia, along with representatives of relevant ministries, development partners, non-governmental organisations, project consultants, technical officials of the Ministry, and representatives from the 25 Municipal and Provincial Departments of Rural Development, both in person and virtually.
H.E. Chhay Rithisen expressed gratitude for the ongoing support provided to the rural development sector and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening cooperation with ADB, UNICEF, and other stakeholders. The Minister emphasized the Royal Government of Cambodia's focus on rural water supply and sanitation, as outlined in the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 and the Policy Platform for Nation Building and National Defence 2023-2028. These frameworks aim for 100 percent coverage of basic rural water supply and sanitation by 2030 in alignment with the CSDGs.
The Minister noted the MRD's significant role in implementing national policies on rural water supply and sanitation, evidenced by the achievements of previous phases of the National Action Plan. By 2025, coverage of basic rural water supply services reached 89 percent, while safely managed water services hit 25 percent. Basic rural sanitation coverage increased to 95 percent, and safely managed sanitation services reached 51 percent. Additionally, all 25 capital and provinces have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
Building on these achievements, the MRD is finalising the National Strategic Plan and National Action Plan, aiming for 100 percent coverage of basic water supply and sanitation by 2030, a 50 percent increase in safely managed water services, and 70 percent safely managed sanitation services by 2033, while promoting advanced Open Defecation Free status (ODF+).
H.E. the Minister offered key recommendations for the workshop, ensuring the National Strategic Plan and National Action Plan for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene 2026-2033 are comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with the Royal Government's strategic priorities, including the Policy Platform for Nation Building and National Defence 2023-2028, the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1, the National Strategic Development Plan of the 7th Legislature, and the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035.
Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the MRD and partners in formulating and implementing the plans in alignment with Cambodia's strategic goals.