Phnom Penh : Floating houses and other irregular structures along the Tonle Bassac River in Phnom Penh are being steadily dismantled ahead of Saturday’s deadline. The Phnom Penh Capital Administration gave fish farmers, floating homeowners and the owners of other illegal structures along the river banks a week to demolish and relocate.

The order was given as the capital clamps down on those occupying river banks illegally, while it beautifies the city’s main waterway. City officials say many fish farms have developed into squatter settlements, causing obstructions on the river, as well as damaging its ecosystem and endangering public health.

The project affects a number of districts, or khans, through which the Tonle Sap River flows. On Tuesday, the Deputy Governor of Russey Keo, Mr. Prach Seiha, led an inspection of river bank structures in the area. Officials say around five floating homeowners and some illegal builders had volunteered to demolish and said they would be gone before 12 June. If they have not moved by Saturday, authorities will move into complete the demolition work.

Prek Phnov is another of the capital’s affected districts. According to the Khan Administration Officer, the owners of 292 floating homes and other irregular structures have all been notified that they need to leave this week.