Dear Editor,

Regarding the article "PM to local officials: Don't sell state land" (April 10, 2009), I applaud the prime minister's decision to stop selling state properties including forests, land and lakes.

However, many issues relating to the sale of public properties have not yet been addressed.

Boeung Kak lake was a popular tourist area for Phnom Penh in late 1980s and early 1990s. Many of the kids at my high school often went there on bicycles when we had no classes and at weekends. We liked to drive the pedal boats around the lake, going out to a small island in the middle of the lake where we spent time swimming and relaxing.

Recently the lake was sold and filling is well under way in the name of development, with only small compensation offered to the lake villagers.

I have two opinions to support the government's commitment to solve the Boeng Kak lake issue: First, the government should stop the filling of the lake and instead clean the area up for use by the general public. Second, the government should provide appropriate compensation for Boeung Kak lake villagers.

Tong Soprach

Phnom Penh

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