Concerned over development announced for Phnom Penh’s canals, over 50 villagers representing some 400 families that reside along the Stung Meanchey canal in the capital’s Meanchey district gathered yesterday morning to appeal to the municipal government to provide information about what fate may befall them.

Soum Saven, a Stung Meanchey community representative, said the 435 families that live along the 1,470-metre canal are concerned they will be relocated by possible development along the waterway announced by the city in November.

"We want the governor to develop the canal . . . without ordering the villagers to move," he said. According to Saven, the community had already sent several unanswered letters to City Hall requesting information, prompting the demonstrators to gather and collect garbage while holding banners demanding a response from the city governor.

City Hall Spokesman Long Dimanche yesterday said he was aware of the gathering, but had not received any detailed information. However, he did confirm that the letters sent by the villagers had been received.