Floating villages to be grounded

[geovalin]

A government minister has sounded the death knell for Tonle Sap picturesque floating villages after outlining a long-term plan to rehome all those living on the lake. Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon yesterday told Khmer Times he wants to relocate thousands of families living on the lake to improve their livelihoods.
 

He could not say when the resettlement will take place, but confirmed he has asked officials from provinces around the lake to look at sites where new housing could be built.   “At the moment we have just asked the provinces to locate suitable places for building homes for the residents,” said Mr. Sakhon.
 

“But it’s a long-term plan we have to implement. We also have a project to eliminate fishing offenses, but that cannot be achieved if we allow people to live there continuously.” In addition to the problem of illegal fishing, Mr. Sakhon said officials are concerned about pollution and damage to the lake’s ecosystem.
 

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