Agencies Concerned Over Use of Funding
Non-governmental organizations expressed concern for the government’s develop plans over the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable Tue
Non-governmental organizations expressed concern for thegovernment’s develop plans for the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerableTuesday, as Cambodia prepares for its annual donors meeting next week. Cambodiawill meet with international donors at its annual Consultative Group meetingDec. 3 through Dec. 5, and is seeking at least $500 million in development aid. But a group of three large umbrella organizations said Tuesdaythe aid money should be prioritized for land, agriculture and natural-resourcemanagement, as well as human development and good governance. “We are requesting the government to re-correct theimplementation of the development policy,” said Sek Barisoth, a program officerfor Pact Cambodia,a group of non-governmental agencies. “It is unfair and not targeted to affectthe poor and vulnerable.” People are often forced off their land for development, hesaid. “We are very concerned that the policy of the government is negative, andsome implementation of the policy is not clear.” Government officials from various ministries will join themeeting next week. Ou Vuddy, general director of the Ministry of Land,Urbanization and Construction, said the government could not accept all therecommendations from the NGO sector. “It is different from the facts in all fields, so thisreport should be re-corrected,” she said.