INSPECTORS from the Ministry of Environment visited the Lim Hong and Kenetic garment factories in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey district on Thursday, following renewed complaints from families in the area that polluted exhaust from the factories was affecting their health.

“This pollution problem has been going on for more than two years. Smoke pours out of the factories in the early morning and late afternoon, continuously for one or two hours,” said a 47-year-old civil servant living next to the Lim Hong factory. He said he wished to remain anonymous, citing safety concerns.

Srey Chenda, a 27-year-old mother who lives near the factory site, said she and her neighbours frequently suffer headaches and coughing attacks.

“I’m always getting headaches. The Lim Hong and Kenetic factories are burning garments and polluting the air. I’m concerned for my children and afraid of the long-term effects,” she said.

Not first complaint

An earlier pollution complaint failed to produce a response.

“My deputy received the complaint from the villagers on July 22, but nothing has been carried out yet,” said Sorn Suy, Damnak Thom’s village chief.

Heng Naroath, director of the pollution control department at the Ministry of Environment, said the inspection was only a preliminary visit, and that a full report would be released after further investigation.