World Vision Cambodia announced a major new initiative to expand clean water and sanitation services in rural communities on November 25, unveiling a $12.3 million Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Business Plan for 2026–2030.
The plan aims to ensure universal access to safe water and improved sanitation by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
The programme, part of World Vision’s global “Mapping the Blue Thread” initiative, will operate in 26 districts nationwide, with a particular focus on inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable WASH solutions.
“Among the plan’s key interventions, World Vision will expand piped-water systems in Phnum Srok district, Banteay Meanchey province, bringing coverage from 70 to 90 per cent and providing clean water to more than 15,000 residents,” according to World Vision.
“The project also aims to connect 42 schools and nine healthcare facilities to safe water and improved sanitation infrastructure,” it explained.
In Preah Vihear province, efforts will focus on Sanhkum Thmey, a region severely affected by water scarcity.
It said World Vision will restore watersheds, regenerate forests and strengthen water resource management while integrating climate-smart agriculture and disaster-proof infrastructure to enhance community resilience.
Janes Imanuel Ginting, national director of World Vision Cambodia, emphasised how the plan aligns with government priorities.
“Our collaborative efforts are directly aligned with national priorities, specifically the National Strategic Plan for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene and the National Action Plan 2025–2033,” he said.
“By working with the government and local communities, we aim to transform lives and ensure every person has access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene,” he added.
Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, welcomed the initiative.
“The ministry welcomes World Vision Cambodia’s WASH Business Plan as a strong contribution to our National Action Plan for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation,” he said.
“Partnerships like this are essential to accelerate progress toward universal coverage and improve the well-being of rural communities,” he continued.
Since 2015, World Vision Cambodia has already made significant progress in improving WASH access, establishing 125 community water systems that serve more than 330,000 people.
Its sanitation initiatives have delivered household latrines benefiting over 385,000 individuals, achieving Open Defecation Free status in 1,172 villages.
This sustainability is reinforced through training Water Management Committees to maintain systems and promote community ownership.
The new business plan calls for broad engagement from donors, partners and stakeholders to accelerate the country’s progress toward SDG 6.
“We invite all partners to join us in creating a future where every Cambodian has access to safe water and sanitation,” Ginting added.
World Vision International, operating in Cambodia for over 50 years, has programmes spanning child protection, education, nutrition, livelihoods and climate adaptation.
In 2024 alone, the organisation reached three million children and families across 20 provinces and the capital city.
