Despite being one of the fastest growing economies, Cambodia struggles with widespread poverty and adequate housing provision, resulting in nearly 300 informal settlements in Phnom Penh. There are numerous NGOs and local partners working with municipalities to make the homes in informal settlements to make them safer, while building community action and delivering family support and training. Planète Enfants & Développment (PE&D) began working on these issues in 2018, and so far, they have improved 88 homes, trained hundreds of people in sustainable construction techniques, and provided social support.
Because many of these informal settlements are on state-owned land, upgrading them is usually problematic – but in working with local NGOs and city government, the residents in informal settlements have strengthened their capacity to improve their living conditions and called on the government to recognize their land rights.
Source:
World Habitat Awards. (2020) Habitat and living conditions improvement in poor communities in Phnom Penh. World Habitat Awards Winners: Bronze 2020.