The Editor,

It is with great dismay that I discovered that the magnificent Tonle Sap River

is used as a site of refuse disposal by the people who clean the public areas in

front of the river.

Organic matter such as coconut husks and banana leaves will eventually be digested

by the forces of nature. However, plastic bags are thrown into the river in the thousands

on a daily basis. These are not only unsightly but are a danger to fisheries and

bird life, and will inevitably circulate in the water systems of Cambodia for an

uncountable number of years.

Surely, the city authorities could arrange for the safe disposal of this rubbish,

and in the process create useful employment, a sense of civic pride, and enhance

this otherwise charming and attractive Phnom Penh.

- Larry Speight, Phnom Penh.