Urban Poor Photo Exhibition in 2024 On Housing and Life
6 min read
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.
Free the Lake
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 woman is harvesting water mimosa and water spinach on the surface of Boeung Tumpun to support her daily life in Phnom Penh in 2022. Boeung Tumpun is the second largest lake in Phnom Penh after Ta Mok. 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.
Flooding in communities
In urban areas grappling with poverty, the rainy season often brings considerable hardship due to inadequate drainage or sewage infrastructure. Overflowing sewage creates a habitat conducive to the proliferation of germs and mosquitoes, resulting in health concerns like skin infections and dengue fever, as well as pervasive foul smells.
Moreover, the inundated streets pose significant challenges for residents’ mobility, particularly affecting children. To navigate these areas route to school, they must adapt by changing clothes and removing shoes to wade through contaminated waters. The flooding also heightens the risk of drowning, which discourages parents from pursuing work, further aggravating the community’s financial distress.
The Prek Takong 3 community experiences damage to homes and infrastructure due to sewage issues and flooding.
Community members live near a sewer in the Reaksmey Samaki community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, 2023. The community is often flooded during the rainy season, making it difficult for residents to live. Children face health problems such as skin allergies and respiratory diseases.
A woman walks on a flooded road in the Prek Takong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022. The community homes and infrastructures are permanently flooded due to lack of a drainage system. The entire community is inundated with dirty water, which sometimes attracts snakes and is a breeding ground for mosquitos and diseases.
A boy stands on the stairs of his house that has been flooded by the rain in Prek Takong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022. The community houses and infrastructures are permanently flooded due to the lack of a drainage system and the whole community was flooded. Parents are very concerned about the safety for their children. Some families have stopped working to stay home and take care of their children in fear of them drowning.
A boy walks through a flooded road to a school in the Chhma Aoet community, Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. The community homes and infrastructures are often flooded due to the lack of drainage system.
Two kids walk across a flooded road to their house in Pongro Sen Chey community, Khan Por Senchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. This community are often flooded when it rains for more than an hour due to the lack of drainage in the community, which makes it difficult for the community to travel, especially for children.
Eviction
Cambodia is a country that is striving to achieve high middle-income status by 2030. The Royal Government has been making efforts to promote economic growth across all sectors. However, these development initiatives have led to forced evictions affecting poor and vulnerable communities. These communities have often been compelled to accept inadequate and unreasonable compensation for resettlement. According to the United Nations Guidelines on Evictions and Resettlement, evictions should involve genuine consultation, avoid disproportionate use of force, provide adequate and reasonable notice, and offer legal remedies. Unfortunately, some communities have faced eviction without full compliance with national and international laws. This situation has caused fear and displacement among affected communities, leaving them with insufficient resources for new construction and forcing them to live far from essential public services. In 2023 Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT)’s report – The Phnom Penh Survey – highlights that there are more than 191 urban poor settlements in the city, living in poverty. Among these, 69% of communities are considered tenure insecure, and 29% face the threat of eviction. These communities hope that authorities will prioritize on-site development rather than eviction, or provide appropriate solutions in the confines of the law.
A boy gazes at the rear of his home, which is facing eviction in the Boeung Trobek Phum 4 community, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. This community is residing along the canal which is grappling with eviction due to the Boeung Trobek canal rehabilitation project. Despite this, they remain steadfast in advocating for on-site development.
A woman selling oysters walks across a wooden bridge in the Boeung Trobek Phum 4 community, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023.
dilapidated households and the living environment of community members near high-rise buildings in the city center in the Boeung Trobek Phum 4 community, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2023.
Homes at Satrey Klahan community located in Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2023. The community is worried about their livelihood due to impending eviction.
Homes at Satrey Klahan community located in Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2023. Thirty-seven homes are facing eviction as they have been told they are on public-state land.
Homes at Satrey Klahan community located in Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2023. The prospect of eviction affects the community on various levels – as they worry about jobs, the education of children, and further indebtedness.
A woman walks past the house where the authorities spray-painted a house to be demolished in the Rotespleung community, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, 2023. The community lives along the old railway line, but the railway does not work, requiring a change to a new concrete road construction project, leaving the community facing relocation.
In 2023, residents of the Samrong Tbong Community in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, are denied permission to build or renovate their homes. Despite the community’s protests and their assertion that they do not live on the actual surface of Boeung Tamok Lake, authorities have not relented on their construction ban.
75 homes in Samrong Tbong community, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. Community members insist authorities provide them with legal tenure to be able to build and renovate their homes because they do not live on Beoung Tamok Lake which is public state land, according to a government sub-decree released in 2016.
In the Samrong Tbong Community of Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the bare pillars of a resident’s home stand unfinished in 2023, as the community grapples with construction restrictions. Despite protests from the community seeking resolution and their insistence that they do not occupy the surface of Boeung Tamok Lake, authorities have continued to prohibit the building or renovation of homes. The official stance is that the community occupies what is classified as road forage area, deemed public property. This ongoing dispute has left the community members in a precarious position, facing the looming possibility of eviction and forced relocation.
In 2023, a woman from the Samrong Tbong Community in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, observes with increasing worry as trucks deposit soil onto the Beoung Tamok Lake. This act heightens concerns among residents, who have been living in the area since 1996, as they face the threat of impending eviction. Despite a 2016 government sub-decree indicating that the community did not settle on the lake itself, the residents are adamant in their plea for authorities to grant them official land titles.
In 2023, within the Samrong Tbong Community of Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a woman pivots to entrepreneurship by selling vegetables and groceries. This new venture comes after she lost her previous job, which was dependent on the resources of Beoung Tamok Lake. The community, established in 1996. Despite this, a government sub-decree from 2016 clarifies that the residents do not live on the lake itself. In light of these circumstances, the community members are steadfast in their demand for the authorities to issue them formal land titles.
Relocation
Communities, after moving from their previous settings, are often settled in new areas significantly distanced from the city and economic hubs. Regrettably, the compensation they receive often fall short of what is necessary to rebuild their homes or to invest in business ventures. This makes their new life even more difficult than before.
In relocation sites, community living conditions are subpar, with many residing in basic shelters. They face a severe shortage of critical public amenities such as electricity, clean water, education, and healthcare. Their distance from economic centers has led to dwindling incomes and mounting debts. Resettlement plans that overlook these essential needs only serve to deepen poverty and entrench a cycle of inadequate housing.
The United Nations Guidelines on the Right to Adequate Housing mandate secure tenure, access to essential services, affordability, thoughtful location, cultural respect, and adherence to tradition. International law acknowledges the right to adequate housing as a basic human right.
Construction machinery to build a house for Samrong Tbong community members who agreed to accept compensation to move to a new location in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community accepted the settlement by relocating to a new location with compensation such as land 4.5 meters wide and 18 meters long, a house and an additional $10,000.
A woman prepares wood for a new house provided by Prek Pnov district authorities in Samrong Tbong Village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community have accepted the solution by moving to a new location with compensation such as land width of 4.5 meters and length of 18 meters, a house and an additional $10,000.
Construction by the authorities for Samrong Tbong community members to accept the solution in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh in 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community have been relocated with compensation such as land 4.5 meters wide and 18 meters long, a house and an additional $10,000.
Construction of 4 brick houses ruined and scattered among other houses built as compensation for members of Samrong Tbong community in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh in 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community have accepted the move by relocating to a new location with compensation such as land 4.5 meters wide and 18 meters long, a house and an additional $10,000.
A woman stands in front of a building that will be a new residence in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community have received compensation for their land swaps, but the new location is far from the economic zone, making it harder for most community members to earn a living than the old location.
New house, stone wall, zinc roof as compensation for 25 community members in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, 2023. At this new location, community members can make other public documents such as family books, residence books, birth certificates and receive IDpoor cards, unlike the old location where the authorities cannot make documents for community members.
Big houses and strong construction belong to the Rotespleung community, stacked along a road in the O Veng Development Zone, Boeung Salang Village, Sangkat Russey Keo, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, 2023. This former community received a settlement in compensation for the plot of land 4 meters wide and 15 meters long and most of the community borrowed money from the bank to build new homes.
The house of a member of Banteay Sleuk community is currently located at 7NG, Kandal Province, 2022. The community was evicted from Phnom Penh during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, while the country was under lockdown. The authorities provided compensation for plots of land 4 meters wide and 15 meters long for each households.
A woman with child under her arms is inspecting a broken pump well in Phnom Bat community, Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, Cambodia, 2023.
Members are making the handcrafting in the Tang Kiev community, Phnom Bat commune, Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, 2023. The new community came after the relocation of Borei Keila, Dey Krahorm and Sambok Chab communities from Phnom Penh.
A woman washes snails and sells them to support her family at a new location after receiving compensation in Samrong Tbong village, Sangkat Samrong, Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh in 2023. Twenty-five members of the Samrong Tbong community have been relocated with compensation such as land 4.5 meters wide and 18 meters long, a house and an additional $10,000.
Capacity development
Education is very important for all walks of life. The right to education is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Constitution Law of Cambodia and International Law. Some urban poor communities are facing land disputes, poor housing, and have no land title deeds. Those communities often do not understood land rights and some legal issues related to land tenure. To empower communities and enhance their capacity to address these issues, STT offers training on a range of topics. These include human rights, land law, systematic land registration, environmental challenges, and mapping, with a special focus on Circulars 03 and 06. ICT and online safety are also key components of this educational outreach, equipping community members with the skills to effectively engage with relevant stakeholders and seek support for their concerns. Moreover, the training aims to bolster community understanding of their rights, foster unity, and promote environmental stewardship. A critical aspect of the training is teaching communities how to adeptly use social media, enabling them to highlight and document the issues they face. Through these efforts, communities are better prepared to advocate for themselves and work towards positive change.
STT staff train community members on how to use mobile phones in Kampot, Cambodia, 2023. STT provides training to community members to equip them with IT tools so they can use social media platforms to raise issues and concerns to stakeholders.
STT staff train community members on digital security and social media in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. STT provide training to communities to enable them to use social media to raise issues and concerns to stakeholders and communicate effectively.
STT staff show community members how to create a social media account in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, 2023. Social media is an effective way of raising issues to local authorities all the way up to the prime Minister’s office.
A woman shares her experiences of community leadership and past challenges with other community members in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. STT organizes a reflection meeting for community members to learn from each other and to strengthen the solidarity between each other.
In Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, 2023. A woman imparted her understanding of the right to adequate housing to a group of participants. STT conducted training sessions for members of four targeted communities. These sessions aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge by covering topics such as land law, the principles of adequate housing, and the procedures for systematic land registration.
Small Scale Upgrading
Urban poor communities in Phnom Penh are grappling with economic hardship, substandard housing, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient sewer systems. These conditions pose daily challenges, as families lack the means to undertake essential repairs. Flooding is a recurrent issue, necessitating the construction of bridges for regular transit and adequate drainage to mitigate flood risk and dangers such as drowning. Furthermore, poor street lighting can lead to increased drug trafficking and a general sense of insecurity.
To confront these difficulties, it is imperative for communities to seek assistance from various parties, including the royal government, local authorities, and civil society organizations. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) is instrumental in driving positive change by providing essential small-scale infrastructure improvements, such as bridges, roads, sewers, solar lighting, and housing solutions. These initiatives are key to enhancing the living conditions of these urban poor communities.
A woman sits on the stair of a house, watching flood in Prek Ta Kong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2022. The flooding has made it challenging for communities to travel, especially affecting the safety of children. Consequently, STT offered a small scale upgrading: the construction of a bridge.
A Tuk-Tuk transports pillars for bridge construction in Prek Ta Kong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut provieds this initiative to contribute addressing several challenges include floods, persistent flooding due to lack of drainage system which difficult to travel daily life. Particularly, children encounter difficulties while commuting to school.
In 2022, the Prek Ta Kong 3 community in Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, saw the construction of a new wooden bridge measuring 2 by 5 meters. This project, spearheaded by Sahmakum Teang Tnaut, was initiated to help tackle multiple challenges faced by the community, including frequent flooding and the persistent waterlogging resulting from an insufficient drainage system. These issues have made daily commutes difficult for residents, with children experiencing particular hardship in traveling to school.
One community member with on hand child walks on wooden bridge in Prek Ta Kong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut provieds this initiative to contribute addressing several challenges include floods, persistent flooding due to lack of drainage system which difficult to travel daily life. Particularly, children encounter difficulties while commuting to school.
Jarm remain after connecting the water supply system In Chhma Aoet community Aoet, Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut provided assistance to connect clean water for 27 community members, aims to enhance the quality of life, contribute to poverty reduction, and the community members could have clean water use.
A man operates a bulldozer to construct a new road in the Chhma Ampov community, Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut provides a road of size 5m x 160m to contribute addressing the community members need for daily travel. This road will significantly ease the commute for children, especially those traveling to school. Additionally, it aims to enhance garbage collection services within the community.
Boys and girls traverse new wooden bridge on their way to school in the Veal Sbov community, Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023. Sahmakum Teang Tnaut provides new wooden bridge of size 4m x 15m and 15 solar lights responds to community members need for daily travel and the solar lights illuminate the road at night, especially, making it easier for children to cross safely to school.
Boys and girls run and play on the new wooden bridge under solar lights in Prek Ta Kong 3 community, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2023, Sahmakum Teang Tnaut has provided seven solar lights to be installed within the community. This support aims to enhance the quality of life, contribute to poverty reduction, and protect the environment in the community.
