Illegal structures on sidewalks to be torn down

People living on Street 200 want intervention from authorities. Pic Huy Bunleng News

Preah Sihanouk provincial authority has ordered residents who have built illegal structures or extensions along the sidewalks of Street 200 in Sihanoukville’s Buon commune to tear down the structures to allow for road expansion.

Chief of Public Works and Transport provincial department Borei Vongsanith released a statement to the residents living along Street 200 stating, in order to maintain public order, ease traffic jams, make it safe for pedestrians, preserve the beauty of the area and keep it hygienic, the department will repair the street’s pavements and drainage system.

Mr Vongsanith said all house and business owners, who currently encroach on the sidewalks, have to remove there structures at their own expense.

“All house and business owners have to tear down any extensions or buildings which have been illegally constructed on public streets. If they do not do so, the authorities will take legal action without being responsible for any property damage caused,” he said.

Tea Soeun, a resident of the area, said representatives from 180 families came to Sihanoukville hall yesterday to ask for intervention from the authorities to stop the order as it would affect their lives and businesses.

Another villager said some house owners have been living on Street 200 for over 20 years, so it is hard for them to move. “Some residents do not know where they will live when they move from their homes,” she said.

Ministry of Public Works last week announced 34 roads stretching over 82.145 kilometres in Sihanoukville is nearly 90-percent complete.

In November last year, the government spent $294 million in an ambitious project to restore and expand 34 roads in Sihanoukville after most of these roads in the city were damaged due to construction and flooding.

Credited: Khmer Times