Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization

Urban Poor Photo Exhibition in 2024 On Housing and Life

Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is located in Phnom Penh. STT was founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2006 as a local NGO supporting urban poor communities. STT vision is urban poor and vulnerable communities receiving adequate housing, and improved living conditions and prosperity. To achieve this vision, STT has the mission to develop advocacy tools, empower, and support urban poor and vulnerable communities to obtain adequate and comfortable housing. 

 

On February 23, 2024 Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization (STT) was organized Photo Exhibition on Housing and Life at Champei Garden. The event was attended by donors, NGO partners, and urban poor communities in Phnom Penh.The photo exhibition is an activity undertaken by Sahmakum Teang Tnaut Organization (STT) and these photos were taken by STT from 2022 to January 2024. 

These 60 photographs aim at highlighting challenges faced by urban communities affected by development, land insecurity, resettlement, lack of pre-arranged services and infrastructure in relocation sites, and forced evictions. The idea is to showcase to the public and stakeholders such challenges, to raise awareness, and work together to find solutions to fulfill their right to adequate housing. The exhibition also showcases the current state of the lakes in the city, and the environmental impact caused by filling the lakes.

Since 1990, Phnom Penh has seen the infilling of 26 lakes, with 16 already lost to urban development, and more currently in the process. Urban development, including the construction of new satellite cities, has been the driving force behind the disappearance of these vital water bodies. Two prominent lakes, Boeung Tumpun (Boeung Choeung Ek) and Boeung Tamok (Boeung Kob Srov), are facing this issue. Boeung Tumpun spans 2,600 hectares in the southern region of Phnom Penh, across Khan Meanchey and Khan Dangkor districts, and even extends to Takhmao city in Kandal province. Boeung Tamok, the largest natural lake in the city, covers 3,239.7 hectares in the northwest near Win-Win Boulevard, across Khan Prek Pnov and Khan Por Sen Chey districts. In accordance with many studies, the infillings have serious repercussions: forced evictions, land disputes, employment disruptions, migration, and social inequities. Moreover, they compromise the city’s water filtration capabilities and alter natural water drainage, heightening the risk of floods during the rainy season.
Since 1990, Phnom Penh has seen the infilling of 26 lakes, with 16 already lost to urban development, and more currently in the process. Urban development, including the construction of new satellite cities, has been the driving force behind the disappearance of these vital water bodies. Two prominent lakes, Boeung Tumpun (Boeung Choeung Ek) and Boeung Tamok (Boeung Kob Srov), are facing this issue. Boeung Tumpun spans 2,600 hectares in the southern region of Phnom Penh, across Khan Meanchey and Khan Dangkor districts, and even extends to Takhmao city in Kandal province. Boeung Tamok, the largest natural lake in the city, covers 3,239.7 hectares in the northwest near Win-Win Boulevard, across Khan Prek Pnov and Khan Por Sen Chey districts. In accordance with many studies, the infillings have serious repercussions: forced evictions, land disputes, employment disruptions, migration, and social inequities. Moreover, they compromise the city’s water filtration capabilities and alter natural water drainage, heightening the risk of floods during the rainy season. 1 / 19
Trucks are seen at an excavation site at Boeung Ta Mok lake, located in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. These trucks is for filling the surface of Boeung Ta Mok lake for development. The land will be used for Borey, market, and other buildings.
Trucks are seen at an excavation site at Boeung Ta Mok lake, located in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. These trucks is for filling the surface of Boeung Ta Mok lake for development. The land will be used for Borey, market, and other buildings. 2 / 19
Hundreds of trucks are delivering stones across the road in Ta Mok Lake, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total area of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration, and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Hundreds of trucks are delivering stones across the road in Ta Mok Lake, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total area of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration, and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 3 / 19
The Ta Mok Lake area is being excavated to fill other areas, while a large part of the lake area is being filled, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total area of 3,239.7 hectares. According to research reports, the effects of deforestation include evictions, land grabbing, job loss, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake causes the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
The Ta Mok Lake area is being excavated to fill other areas, while a large part of the lake area is being filled, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total area of 3,239.7 hectares. According to research reports, the effects of deforestation include evictions, land grabbing, job loss, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake causes the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 4 / 19
Children cross the land of Boeung Ta Mok Lake that has been filled for the development, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Children cross the land of Boeung Ta Mok Lake that has been filled for the development, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 5 / 19
Beoung Ta Mok is filled with stones for development, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Beoung Ta Mok is filled with stones for development, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 6 / 19
A grandmother huge her granddaughters in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin on Tamok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding of Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
A grandmother huge her granddaughters in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin on Tamok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding of Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 7 / 19
The Samrong Tbong community member sits in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin over Ta Mok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
The Samrong Tbong community member sits in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin over Ta Mok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 8 / 19
A grandmother walks across a bridge in the Samrong Tbong community to the area of Boeung Ta Mok lake, which was filled, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. In May 2023, Prek Pnov district authorities demolished the community’s bamboo bridge, but citizens prevented the demolition. And 5 people were sued by the court due to protecting the bridge.
A grandmother walks across a bridge in the Samrong Tbong community to the area of Boeung Ta Mok lake, which was filled, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. In May 2023, Prek Pnov district authorities demolished the community’s bamboo bridge, but citizens prevented the demolition. And 5 people were sued by the court due to protecting the bridge. 9 / 19
A bamboo bridge was built to protect the land of Samrong Tbong community, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. In May 2023, Prek Pnov district authorities dismantled the community’s bamboo bridge, but residents prevented it from being demolished. And 5 people were sued by the court due to protecting the bridge.
A bamboo bridge was built to protect the land of Samrong Tbong community, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. In May 2023, Prek Pnov district authorities dismantled the community’s bamboo bridge, but residents prevented it from being demolished. And 5 people were sued by the court due to protecting the bridge. 10 / 19
Fishermen is fishing for sall to support their family economy on Ta Mok Lake, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh in 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the effects of deleting this lake area include eviction, land abuse, job loss, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Fishermen is fishing for sall to support their family economy on Ta Mok Lake, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh in 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the effects of deleting this lake area include eviction, land abuse, job loss, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 11 / 19
Community houses are lined up in Samrong Tbong community, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. This community has not obtained any land title since 1996, with authorities claiming that community members are living on the land of Boeung Ta Mok lake, a state public property. However, according to a 2016 government sub-decree, the community does not live on the lake land.
Community houses are lined up in Samrong Tbong community, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. This community has not obtained any land title since 1996, with authorities claiming that community members are living on the land of Boeung Ta Mok lake, a state public property. However, according to a 2016 government sub-decree, the community does not live on the lake land. 12 / 19
Community members walk on a bridge, which was built by the Samrong Tbong community in 2023. The bridge is an important means of transportation for communities to cross to the area of Ta Mok Lake, which has not yet been eliminated. The bridges that serve the livelihood of this community are sometimes completely flooded during the high water season, making it impossible for the community to use the bridge.
Community members walk on a bridge, which was built by the Samrong Tbong community in 2023. The bridge is an important means of transportation for communities to cross to the area of Ta Mok Lake, which has not yet been eliminated. The bridges that serve the livelihood of this community are sometimes completely flooded during the high water season, making it impossible for the community to use the bridge. 13 / 19
Samrong Tbong community people cross a community wooden bridge, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Samrong Tbong community people cross a community wooden bridge, Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 14 / 19
A grandmother huge her granddaughters in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin on Tamok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding of Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
A grandmother huge her granddaughters in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin on Tamok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding of Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 15 / 19
The Samrong Tbong community member sits in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin over Ta Mok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
The Samrong Tbong community member sits in a makeshift tent with a tarpaulin over Ta Mok Lake in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 16 / 19
A man paddles a boat on the surface of Boeung Tompun to sell fish and support his family’s economy after the lake is narrowed by development, Phnom Penh, 2023. Boeung Tumpun is the second largest lake in Phnom Penh after Ta Mok lake. It is located in Khan Meanchey and Khan Dangkor of Phnom Penh and Takhmao City of Kandal Province. Hundreds of families have benefited from the lake by fishing and cultivating surface crops such as water mimosa and water spinach.
A man paddles a boat on the surface of Boeung Tompun to sell fish and support his family’s economy after the lake is narrowed by development, Phnom Penh, 2023. Boeung Tumpun is the second largest lake in Phnom Penh after Ta Mok lake. It is located in Khan Meanchey and Khan Dangkor of Phnom Penh and Takhmao City of Kandal Province. Hundreds of families have benefited from the lake by fishing and cultivating surface crops such as water mimosa and water spinach. 17 / 19
A family goes on a boat to fish for a living in the area of Ta Mok lake, which will be wiped out in 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration, and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
A family goes on a boat to fish for a living in the area of Ta Mok lake, which will be wiped out in 2023. The lake has a total size of 3,239.7 hectares. According to various research reports, the impact of deleting the lake area includes evictions, land violations, loss of employment, migration, and the creation of social injustice. In addition, the removal of the lake caused the loss of water filtration systems and septic tanks that flow out of Phnom Penh, which may cause flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season. 18 / 19
Urban Poor Photo Exhibition in 2024 On Housing and Life
Urban Poor Photo Exhibition in 2024 On Housing and Life 19 / 19
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