Access to clean water and sanitation remains a central challenge to Cambodia’s development. Nationwide, 58 percent of Cambodians lack access to clean water and 84 percent lack access to sanitation facilities. Access to sanitation is especially poor in Teuk Phos district of Kampong Chhnang province, where only 5.6 percent have access to latrines. Since 2006, International Relief and Development (IRD) and Later-Day Saints Charities (LDSC) have collaborated to implement the Clean Water and Sanitation Project in Teuk Phos. Through May 2009, over 19,000 people have benefitted from the program. Achievements include the construction of household tube wells, latrines, and rainwater catchments, distribution of ceramic water filters, training in soap-making and solar water disinfection, and establishment of rainwater catchments at five health centers.

The current program, which runs from February to December 2010, is further expanding these achievements. The goals are to:

- Establish year round access to clean water and sanitation at 91 schools;
- Improve access to clean water and sanitation at the household level; and
- Promote year round gardening through training and access to water technology.

IRD is improving the water and sanitation infrastructure of nearly one-third of all schools in Kampong Chhnang province. In order to accomplish this goal, the project will avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach to construction and instead recognize that different schools will require different solutions to their water and sanitation problems. Tube wells or rainwater catchments are being constructed, and hand-washing stations, latrines, and drinking fountains are being rehabilitated.

IRD is including school stakeholders—school support committees, principals, teachers, and students—in all aspects of selecting and developing school infrastructure so that the responsibility for the management and maintenance of the new facilities will be clear. Similar projects are underway at the household level as well, along with working with families to establish household gardens.

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