Three Of Phnom Penh’s 300 Year Old Trees To Be Felled
Phnom Penh: Three large trees on Canadia Park in front of Ang Duong Hospital in Daun Penh district, estimated at being more than 300 years old, are scheduled to be cut down next week. The tree are reportedly rotten inside, and could possibly endanger lives if they were to fall.
Mr. Sam Samuth, Director of the Garden and Plant Unit of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Phnom Penh, said on January 8, that there are about 50 big trees in Canadia Park in front of Ang Duong Hospital, and some are more than 300 years old. The Phnom Penh authorities, with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, plan to cut down three trees sometime next week. New trees will be planted in their place.
In addition to these three trees, his unit will also cut branches from others to reduce the weight of the trees and reduce risks for citizens. KPT
“his unit will also cut branches from others” Yeah, right, in Cambodia this usually leads to them being felled completely, later.
Why are felled trees not replaced? Just look at how ‘naked’ Street 178 (between St. 19 and Norodom) now looks compared to a year ago. Just removing trees which gave welcome shades and were just nice too, replacing with NOTHING.
Have a look at aerial pictures from French times to see how many roads were lined with trees. And they had a purpose, as the French knew.