Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithisen has urged the continued establishment of model villages to stimulate economic growth in rural regions. Currently, rural water supply and sanitation in Cambodia have achieved an 80 per cent coverage rate.

The call came during a recent meeting held to review the ministry’s monthly accomplishments for October and action plans for November.

“The Pentagonal Strategy of the seventh mandate aspires to elevate our national pride to a level akin to the grandeur of the Angkor era. This involves crafting a resilient, vibrant, and prosperous nation with the ultimate aim of achieving high-income status by 2050,” he was cited as saying in a ministry social media post.

To align with this strategy, the ministry has initiated a significant programme focusing on promoting economic growth in rural areas and enhancing the living standards of rural communities. Their goal is to achieve 100 per cent clean water and sanitation coverage by 2030.

“At present, the rural water supply and sanitation sector has achieved an 80 per cent completion rate. The ministry is unwavering in its commitment to expand the number of model villages from the existing 30, with a sincere dedication to responsibly serve the rural population,” he said.

Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, said on October 24 that the strategy – aimed at enhancing the water and sanitation sector with the establishment of additional model villages for rural economic development – is commendable. He noted that the ministry has successfully translated this into practical actions that align with the strategy.

He also inquired whether the ministry has implemented these tasks related to finance and human resources according to yearly operational plans and whether this approach adheres to set timelines.

“Given the magnitude of these tasks, it would be a significant achievement if the ministry has both implemented and allocated a budget to turn the strategy into a reality, meeting the needs of our citizens,” he said.

In regard to establishing model villages, Rithisen encouraged the Department of Community Development and the Department of Ethnic Development to explore the creation of initiatives with economic, tourism or agricultural potential within indigenous community areas, aiming to enhance their livelihoods.