Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 8 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen dismissed the criticism that lake filling causes Phnom Penh’s flood, speaking at the inauguration of the office building of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction on Monday.

The premier said those negatively criticized the flooding are jealous of the Royal Government's development achievements.

Some parts of Phnom Penh were flooded not because of lake filling, but torrential rains, the premier underlined.

“In 1991, there were many lakes in Phnom Penh but flooding also occurred due to heavy rains. This natural disaster does not only happen in Cambodia, but also in France, Italy and other countries as well,” the premier said.

“Back then, several lakes in Phnom Penh were filled to build Central Market and Orussey Market. If back then we can fill the lakes for the sake of development, then why can’t be done during Hun Sen’s mandate?”
=FRESH NEWS