Improving Sanitation through Community-based Solid Waste Management: Experiences in Cambodia and Lao PDR

Inadequate waste management and sanitation has consequences on the health and well-being of communities and the local environment. In Sihanoukville (Cambodia) and the Sedone Provinces of Champasack, Saravanne and Sekong (Lao PDR), unsightly solid waste was a major concern with both locations relying on tourism for economic development and livelihoods. While a comprehensive analysis had not been done to determine the impacts, community members reported problems related to solid wastes including blocking natural drainage systems, flooding, the presence of vermin, illness/disease, etc