Thrive Joins Other Stakeholders in Developing Cambodia’s WASH Sector

In Southeast Asia, Thrive Networks is known for building affordable, accessible and sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure. Building these structures doesn’t just require pipes and concrete, we also need to build relationships and networks across communities and stakeholders. Since expanding to Cambodia in 2012, Thrive works with government and civil society groups to provide water systems, toilets, and other hygienic facilities to thousands of low-income families.

In November, Thrive participated in a number of sector events where we worked with government, business, and civil society partners to exchange ideas and plans for improving water and sanitation in rural Cambodia.

Thrive WASH Expertise: An Invitation to Share Best Practices

On November 8, 2018, Thrive shared best practices at an NGO review workshop organized by the Department of Rural Development (MRD). Government representatives reported on their achievements in the WASH sector in past five years (see graphic) and gave recognition to NGO partners, including Thrive, who have made these results possible.

Improving National and Provincial Action Plans through NGO Collaboration
From November 13 to 16, Thrive representatives, along with other NGOs, provincial government officials, and other local stakeholders, participated in two provincial-level WASH workshops. Organized by the provincial MRD offices, both gatherings focused on Cambodia’s WASH targets, and called for the cooperation of local stakeholders.

Held in Kampong Speu province, the first event was in honor of National Sanitation Day. MRD’s Secretary of State H.E. Try Meng shared the Prime Minister’s message about advancements in rural water and sanitation and requested for support in achieving their National Action Plan 2 (2019-2023). Participants then engaged in dialogues to present solutions to achieve national WASH objectives. The second workshop in Kampong Cham had a similar theme but focused more on the Provincial Action Plan 2 (2019-2023). It sought participants’ input on how to improve or achieve goals indicated in the plan.

Thrive Commits to Strengthening and Building Partnerships
Participating in such activities has been valuable to our work in Cambodia. These introduce us to other WASH actors who have similar goals and allow us to learn from them. These events are opportunities for us to share our expertise and approaches so we can assist other organizations. In the long run, this will help the Cambodian government’s in their rural development work. In 2019, we will  sustain our momentum and continue supporting collaborative events to grow our impact and be of service to other development organizations.