The Phnom Penh municipality has released new plans for the development of a 2-km stretch of riverfront property north of the Chroy Changva Bridge, but will not comment on how City Hall plans to deal with families living in the area.
A master plan posted on City Hall’s Facebook page this week shows vast public gardens, with car parking areas and spaces for passenger boats to dock. According to the municipality, the development will also include a concert space, sports facilities and dining areas.
The aim of the proposed development, the post says, is to “promote the beauty along the riverbank.”
Phnom Penh governor Pa Socheatvong said by telephone that City Hall would begin searching for a private firm this month to partner with the municipality on the project.
“We will develop the free spaces first and the impacted areas will be developed slowly,” he said.
“We studied the impact already,” Mr. Socheatvong added, declining to comment further on the possible eviction of residents.
Mr. Socheatvong said that before turning its attention to the northern stretch of riverfront, the municipality would first construct a new walkway along a different stretch of the river, from Chaktomuk Conference Hall to Koh Pich island, and from Koh Pich to Monivong Bridge.
City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche said the latest master plan was designed by Phnom Penh’s department of public works and transport, but stressed that the development was still in its initial stages.
“This is a plan, but we will continue to go down to survey the impact on the people,” he said.
