Plans are in motion for the construction of a new drainage system for what is left of the Boeung Kak lake area, the Phnom Penh municipality said yesterday.

Municipal director of the public works and transportation department Sam Piseth said that he and Daun Penh district governor Sok Sambath had met with area residents to inform them about the construction, as well as ask for their cooperation during the process.

“Having carried out the research for the project, it is expected to commence on April 2, and will be finished before the arrival of the rainy season to avoid flooding,” Sam Piseth said.

Housing Rights Task Force’s community empowerment officer Neup Ly said it was high time authorities constructed a drainage system for the Boeung Kak residents, whose homes have frequently been inundated with water since the lake began being filled in with sand.

According to City Hall, construction will consist of building a 1,650-metre drainage system, which will be completed in two steps.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kim Yuthana at [email protected]