Say Sam Al: Cambodia hopes to resolve problem of informal settlements soon

Cambodia expects to completely resolve the problem of informal settlements in the country in the near future, Say Sam Al, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said during a panel session at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

Report quotes him as saying road construction, access to clean water, and electricity have been key factors in Cambodia's urban development.

"For some countries, this may not be so important, but for us, this has become the foundation for urban development," he noted.

The minister added that the peace, stability, and sustained economic growth of the past 20 years have been key milestones in Cambodia's history, allowing a significant portion of the country's population to move into the middle class.

According to Say Sam Al, over the past ten years, the government has provided agricultural land and housing to hundreds of thousands of citizens. As a result, approximately 500,000 families previously living below the poverty line have been able to move into the middle class, he added.

He also stated that the government is supporting residents of informal settlements by offering jobs, preferential loan interest rates, savings programs, and new housing.

"I hope that during my tenure as minister, we will be able to completely resolve the problem of informal settlements in Cambodia," he said.