Russey Keo district authorities yesterday morning offered up $2,250 toward an improved drainage system to the 38 families living in Tuol Sangke’s Community B following a protest by residents.

The financial assistance was offered after about 50 village residents gathered in front of the district hall to ask officials to build an adequate drainage system, as recent heavy rains have blocked toilets and have caused major flooding.

The funds come even as many members of the community face eventual eviction in the face of a planned railway development project in the area.

Community representative Long Chandy said that residents had agreed to create the development plan for the system, which consists of about 210 metres of piping, in order to ease the burden on authorities.

However, the costs came out at almost $6,000, and prior to the funding offered up by the district, community members had only managed to raise $3,580.

“We are very happy that the Russey Keo district governor Thuy Sakhorn offered $2,250 for the development of our sewage system even though he realised our houses are faced with the renovation plan.”

Sakhorn said he appreciated the people’s participation in gathering money to help finance the project.

“Though it is a small amount of money, it will ease the process of their sewage development plan,” he said.