Friday, 13 February 2009

New traffic calming measures for bridge

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Chhay Channyda
Friday, 13 February 2009

MUNICIPAL officials plan to build a roundabout at the east end of the Japanese Friendship Bridge in Russei Keo district in an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion, Kob Sles, the district's deputy governor, told the Post Thursday.

Kob Sles referred further questions to Nhem Saran, director of the Phnom Penh Municipal Department of Public Works and Transport, who could not be reached for comment Thursday.

In an interview on the television station TV3 last week, however, Nhem Saran said construction of the roundabout would begin this month.

Kob Sles said he did not know how many families would be affected by the project. But he said municipal authorities had already told families living in temporary settlements near the project site that they would likely be relocated.

"Residents should know that the affected land will be given for development," he said, adding that he did not yet know what form of compensation would be offered to those displaced by the project.

Pech Saroeun, Chruoy Changvar commune chief, said a report he received said 150 families would be displaced, but added he believed the department was trying to reduce the number of families that would be affected.

Chan Touch, 35, who lives on National Road 6 just 50 metres from the bridge, said he supported the project because heavy traffic during rush hour each day "causes traffic jams for hours". But he also said he believed "authorities should discuss the impact with people before they start".

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