On June 2, Phnom Penh City Hall issued an eviction notice for residents of floating houses, illegal fish farms and small houseboats on the Tonlé Sap, the Mekong and a third river, the nearby Bassac. The notice said the order was issued to preserve the river's ecology and water quality and improve the city's aesthetics. Since then, what might happen to those who refuse to leave their river homes has remained unclear.
Phnom Penh's Floating Fishing Community Faces Eviction
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A group of Vietnamese migrants are dismantling a floating house in Prek Pra commune, Chbar Ampov district, Phnom Penh, June 12, 2021. (Vicheika Kann/VOA)
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Sai Sokha, a resident of a floating house in Sangkat Chrang Chamres II, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, June 5, 2021. (Malis Tum/VOA)