In a tributary in Phnom Penh’s Phum Prek Toal district that flows into Boeng Tompun, a mountain of plastic, garbage and waste has built up to the point where it stifles the water from flowing. Embattled residents who live next to the pile of waste have long grown used to the smell, but fear the spread of disease as local authorities make only a paltry effort to clean up the garbage.
 

“The authorities came to recover the rubbish using a boat once in two years since I came to live here. I saw them twice,” said 39-year-old Chan Theary, who has been living on the river for four years. “It also affects our health, but we don’t know what to do.” Theary pays $100 a month rent for her small home where she lives alone.
 

Meanwhile, 40-year-old Srey Mom says she dares not ask the government to do something with the waste because she belongs to an ethnic group that faces discrimination. “I don’t dare to give any suggestion because we are Khmer Krom,” she said.

 

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/38505/river-of-waste/

 

 

-- © Copyright Khmer Times 19/05

Chan Theary should combine forces with her mate Chan Sinamillion, and surely something will be done :)