Villagers in the SR Red Zones beg for food and supplies.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

Some individuals in Siem Reap are complaining about a scarcity of food and supplies as a result of the rigorous lockdown, but police say they are assisting those in need.

Sun Sang, a tour guide, said they have been living in a Red Zone for about two weeks, with limitations on leaving their homes and donations appearing to be delivered solely to poor cards.

 

“I appreciate the Red Zone's closure to ensure the government's strong preventative efforts, but please assist those of us who have lost our livelihoods,” he urged.

 

Around 75% of citizens in Siem Reap rely on tourism for a living, including tour guides, Tuk-Tuk drivers, market vendors, retail, and hospitality professionals.

 

“Tourism is the backbone of Siem Reap's economy, and since Covid-19 hit the country, our jobs and companies have been lost,” Sang added.

 

Many residents in this province have lost up to 90% of their income and are particularly vulnerable to bank debt, with few exceptions or options. Many guides and other company owners have been suffering for almost two years.

 

Sala Kamroeuk communal chairman Sam Lorn stated yesterday that since the lockdown began, the situation in his commune has improved day by day, and he believes that trend will continue until the lockdown is lifted.

 

In this commune, Ta Vien is the only village designated as a Red Zone, with the other six settlements categorized as Orange Zones.

 

“At least once during the lockdown, more than 500 of the 1,070 families got donations to help them,” Lorn added.

 

“Furthermore, as they have an ID Poor Card, food has been supplied twice to 127 households from the province administration and private philanthropists,” he added.

 

He explained that if a family member becomes infected, the entire family will be quarantined for 14 days, thus the local government will provide them with more donated products throughout their quarantine.

 

“Those who are not ID Poor cardholders but are unable to do business or have lost their jobs and are experiencing difficulties during these strict lockdown measures can request donations from the authorities to help them out for a time,” Lorn said, adding that more than 100 families from another six villages in the orange zone have requested assistance, which has already been distributed.

 

Ny Savoeun, a Tuk Tuk driver in Angkor Park, stated yesterday that he was not permitted to leave the house, leaving him with no way of earning money to maintain his family.

 

“Some items, such as rice and fish sauce, were supplied by relatives to help maintain my family for a short time,” he continued.