Villagers in SR Red Zones cry out for food and goods
Some people in Siem Reap are complaining of a lack of food and supplies amid strict lockdown measures, while authorities say they are helping those in difficulties.
Tour guide Sun Sang said that for almost two weeks they have been living in a Red Zone with restrictions on not leaving their houses, and donations seem to be distributed only to the poor cardholders.
“I support the closure of the Red Zone to ensure the government’s strict prevention measures, but please help those of us who have lost our livelihoods,” he said.
Some 75% of Siem Reap residents depend on tourism, including those earning daily incomes like tour guides, Tuk-Tuk drivers, market vendors, retail and hospitality worker.
“Overall, Siem Reap’s economic lifeblood depends on tourism, and since Covid-19 affected the country, our work and businesses have been lost,” said Sang.
Many people in this province have suffered losses of up to 90% of their income, and are especially facing bank debt, often with no exceptions or solutions. There are many guides and other business owners who have suffered for more than two years.
Sala Kamroeuk commune chief Sam Lorn said yesterday that the situation in his commune has been getting better day by day since the lockdown began and he hopes this trend will continue until the lockdown is lifted.
Ta Vien is the only village that was designated as a Red Zone in this commune, while the other six villages were designated as orange zones.
“More than 500 out of the 1,070 families have received donations to support them at least once during the lockdown,” said Lorn.
“Furthermore, until now, food was distributed twice to 127 families from the provincial administration and private philanthropists as they have ID Poor Card,” he added.
He said if a family member gets infected, the whole family will undergo quarantine for 14 days, therefore the local authorities will distribute more donated goods to them during their quarantine.
“Those who are not ID Poor cardholders, but are unable to do business or have lost their jobs and face difficulties during these strict lockdown measures are able to request the authorities for donations to help them out for a time,” said Lorn, adding that more than 100 families from another six villages in the orange zone have requested aid, and the authorities have already distributed the donations to them.
A Tuk Tuk driver at Angkor Park, Ny Savoeun said yesterday that he was not allowed to leave the house which left him with no possibility of earning income to support his family at all.
“My relatives donated some supplies like rice and fish sauce to support my family for a short time,” he added.
Agencies