City profile Battambang City, Cambodia: From a small colonial settlement to an emerging regional centre Sun Sheng Han", Ymeng Lim! ‘ater Sl of Dog, Te Une of ors, Pall VIC 3010, Ausra "ham rin Aatio, Cambie Batambang City sands tn representing the milions of smal urban setlements which ae important carer of wantin nthe 2st entry ts traectory of development was shaped by regional and iotrationa powers and domestics pols, whe the curtent condition are character bya srg urge to develop economy but a sever lacking of oth soft and had capabilites. The ety profle demonsates the development pathvay of Batambarg Cy fom a sll eolnil “etlement to 2 reponal administrative, business transportation centre andthe crrent administrative nd planning ster that ence ts eonomy ad a te. Key ies that have oe adesed cde adequate provision of regional and urban infastrctre, heritage enservatin, infra setlements, ad protetion of the endangered natu sting especialy along the Sager River. 1. Introduction Battambang City i the second largest city in Cambodia. eserves as the capital of Battambang province, and is strategically located in the northwest of Cambodia about 300 km away from the eapital ety Phnom Penh. In its broad regional context, the City is situated in one of the rine Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economie Corridors which connect six countries bound by the Mekong River (Pi. 1) These sb countries are Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China (specifically ‘Yunnan Provinee and Guang Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lo Peo p's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam ‘sian Development Bank, 2015). In northwest Cambodia, the City sits atthe inteseetion af two national roads connecting five provinces. In 2016, Battambang ity had a resident population at 161,072 (epartment of Planning, 2017) and a total land area of 115.44 km 25% of the total areas are built-up areas (Battambang Municipality, 2019). Battambang Clty 1 known for its activities associated with rice production and the heritage buildings as well as its good quality living environment. As the eaptal ety of “the rice bowl of Cambodia" - the ‘name that Battambang provinces popularly known (Carteret al, 2016, ». 19) , the Cy has 33 ree mils which process ree for both national and international markets, including Singapore, Vietnam and Malays (Commune Database Online, 2010). These rice mils not only process rice cultivated in the City but also from its neighbouring districts, ‘making the collective brand of Battambang rice on market (Goad, “Corresponding sor ‘mal ede shan ull ed. (SS. Han). nup://dL.org/10-1016 ies. 2018.10.008, 2012) Urban heritage buildings present another unique feature of unbang City. These heritage buildings, ineluding pagodas, shop- houses, villas, and public buildings are inherited fom historical periods Including the Thai outpost (1795-1907), French colonial (1907-1953) tnd. independence years (Sanghum Reastr Niyum, 1953-1970) Gautambang Municipality, 2015). The significant heritage value of Battambang City has led tothe current discussion between the City and the United Nations Educational, Sclentiie and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for accepting it as & UNESCO heritage city. In terms ofthe living environment, Battambang City is one ofthe most highly livable cities in Cambodia. Since 2015, the City has been ranked as one ofthe ‘leanest cites nationwide, on the basi of seven criteria including waste management, tourism infastreture and facilites, and environmental management. ‘The City is also a pioneer in national reform and poliey innovation ‘experiments. Recent reform examples include the intraduction of ety ‘ous and one-window services, the formulation and endorsement of the Land Use Master Plan (Royal Government of Cambodia, 2003), and the experiment of policies to deal with informal settlements (Royal ‘Government of Cambodia, 2010). One ofthe main reasons for selecting Battambang City o experiment the reform ideas is thatthe City re Dresents many secondary eitles in terms of location and economic performance. As such the Battambang experiences and lessons wi benefit especially those cities with dense poptlation and economic significance in Cambodia's Central Plain region (Naron, 2011), Received 24 March 2018; Received in revised form 2 October 2018; Accepted 4 October 2018 (03542751/ © 2018 Elsevier Led Al eights reserved,2, Historical development Battambang City has evolved from an 11th century small Fishing village onthe Sangker River into Thai outpost, then a French colon style city, and today isa regional centre for education, agroindustry ‘and business in Cambodia (Battambang Municipality, 2015). Its ine digenous Settlement pater, which is undocumented, was likely char ‘actrised by a small mber of houses clustered along the river banks. ‘This tny setlement was transformed by the adltion of administrative, religious, residential and commercial buildings throughost the varions colonial and postcolonial time periods. The Sangker River, which supplies water to the residents for domes, irgation and recreation parposes, has been a core ifiuence in shaping the seitement pattern. The higher elevation of the west bank area attracted development projects in the periods under the Thai andthe French influences. The River was also the key transportation route connecting Battambang ‘with Phnom Penh and Saigon before the away andthe National Road #5 were in place (Tnuch, 1994). All these have been changed asthe road is much faster than the waterway in transporting goods and people today The significant histrial development ofthe Gty is evident ina short period of time - just over two centuries fom 1795. 2.1, Battambang City during the time ofthe Lord Governor (1795-1907) For more than a century (1795-1907), the administration of Battambang Province, including Battambang City, had been under the Influence ofthe Thai government (auch, 1994). During tha time, only ‘one road which eas parallel tothe Sangker River! was builtin 1880, ‘out 2500 people ved in the City while the total population of Bat- tambang Province was about 100,000,” Houses were constructed along both sides ofthe road, A numberof landmarks were built, including 3 rectangular walled fort called "Kampheng” where the Lord Governor resided, several pagodas, 8 Chinese temple and an open-air market (ig. 2} Battambang Municipality, 2015), The Chy also had smal catholic hospital which was established in 1904 for those who were ‘Catholic but not fr the general publie (auch, 1994). Only a hand structures built during that time, including the Lord Governor's re sidence, the Chinese temple, and several pagodas, survived to the present. ‘The most signiiean landmark of the Lord Governor period, ie, the Kampheng, was largely demolished by the French color adiinistration ¢Tach, 1994). 2.2, Hatabang City under the French protectorate (1907-1953) Under the French protectorate between 1907 and 1958, Battambang ‘city was planned and developed by French colonial administration. The French coloial policies shaped particularly Battambang’ architecture nd urbanism (Wright, 1987). This was similar to other eities that were under the French influence in the Asin region, such ag Luang Prabang. in Laos and Saigon in Vietnam. The French Schoo forthe Fat East (Le, ‘Ecole Frangaise Extreme Orient, known as EFEO in short) was an Important institution whieh helped fo realise the French influences on ‘wan development in its Asian colonies (Colin & Jonathan, 2006). In Battambang, the spatial layout followed the European-style cites witha ‘rid pattern and’ zones for businesses and administation (ig. 3, During that time, two phases of urban development were carried out ‘Battambang Municipality, 2015, p. 37) The 1st phase focused onthe "The Sanger Rivers alternatively peas the Sangke River othe Sage Riern Cambodian and English erature "Ths Is the only population estiatin avalable in Uterature forthe ord ‘Governor period 3 fara we ov. Caton mst be taken in sng thi ex ‘maton a ts accuracy canot be vere, Another estimation 1921 eeported ‘population of 307000 in Batamtang Province (Tanch, 1994). this wa re, the province population would have pled in 4 years ‘area next tothe west bank ofthe Sangher River, which i today known fas the heritage conservation zane. The area was laid out in a grid pattem filled with shophowses, and surrounded by open canals. In 1917, ewo bridges were constructed to link the west and east banks of the Sangker River atthe developed area. The 2nd phase of urban de: velopment was evident since 1926 in the west ofthe City, where the railway line and ralway station were constructed to connect the City ‘with Phnom Penh, At that time, many heritage structure, such as ce- sential vias, Spar Nath market, and state buildings, were erected, Some of the Heritage structures ae stil important landmarks eon: tebuting tothe unigue feature of Battambang City today (Baitang Municipality, 2015, p. 37) 2.3, Battambang City during the Independence Period (1953-1970) Soon after Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Battambang City made along term plan for Itt develop nto the in dustrial and commercial centre in the northwest region of Cambodia ‘Gattambang Municipality, 2015) The urban land-use was planned five times the size of the French colonial town in ofder to accommodate infrastructure and facilites for the grand vision. As apart ofthis am- Diious plan, an airport, university, schools, a sports centre, & mn seum, and buildings for several provincial departments were built (ig. 4). At the same time, French and Chinese investors established textile and garment factories. For example, there were two factories ‘built daring the Independence Period, namely the Battambang Garment Factory, and the Battambang Jute Factory. The Jute Factory employed ‘540 workers and thousands of farmers supplied jute to the factory ‘Goeun & Boyce, 1998), The railway line was also expanded 10 the ‘Cambodi-Thalland border Poiped). Some open canals were fled up and/or transformed into sewage canals (Ross & Leon, 2006). The land- ‘use prediction was so ambitious that even up to today some areas ‘proposed by the development plan are not fully develope. 2.4, Battambang Cly during the Khmer Republe (1970-1978), the Klmner Rouge (1975-1979), andthe People’s Republic of Kanpuchea (1979-1989) Like other cites in Cambodia, Battambang City experienced dis ‘ruption tits econonse and urban development by the civ war and the ‘Vietnamese invasion. The development of Battambang City during the Khmer Renublic was neliible. and under the rule of the Khmer Rouee ele, Battambang was abandoned. All te residents were forced ‘locate to rural areas and to work inthe arleultualsetor. There were ‘ho significant development projects took place in the City. The Khmer Rouge government emphasized agricultural production and rejected ‘private land ovenership. According to Sa (2010, p. 4), *most ofthe land tenure and cadastral records were destroyed and private property was abolished. Al land belonged to the State organization”, In 1980, the ‘ity was planned to expand further to its southeast suburbs, covering the area of Psar Thmey market and its surroundings (Bastambang Municipality, 2015, p. 38). However, the plan was not implemented ‘because there was no resource to be mobilised for the planned devel- ‘opment 2. Battambang City after 1989 Development projects in Battambang southeast suburbs were only started after 1989, when the private property rights were introduced, Since then, the et’ tertiary sector dominated by trade of agricultural ‘products and small-scale sinestes such as grocery shops, retail ven- ors, small sale restaurants, and shops selling household goods have ‘been increased significantly. Many hotels, markets, schools an private ‘housing were substantially constructed in the various locations in the City Battambang Municipality, 2015). “A remarkable development in ths time period was that in 1998, the5 Ha Ye Inf masse HSI eaptreton) 4 % et eat ot oe 87 0) 208-220, _ HReyrra ‘pr dotn os eee Fig. 2 Sketch of Battambang Gty during the tne ofthe Lord Governor (before 1907). Sure: Battambang Manipal 2015, p. 36), Fig. 3 Sketch of Batabang Cty during the Pench protectorate ‘Soure: Battambang Municipality 2015, p38), first census was taken and oficial population records have become ‘available since then.” The frst census was taken i the year when the frst national election was held, ln 2008, the third national election was Tpezuracy ofthe population satisies have been affected by Wo factors Fis, oa officals hve limited capacity to taltain prope ecord because of ‘ether thee lack of nowledge in data collection o ignorance by the general ‘Population to epter when rege. The capacity of loa ofa as been {radully built up over the years through taining. Second, the sean work: ‘elated migration has resulted in Muctuations ia numbers. In Battarang Provine, many people travel to Thailand and say for employment hele ana the second population census were completed Table 1 reports the total population in Battambang City and Battambang Province in the period 1998-2017 ‘There was n0 offical spatial development plan of Battambang City ‘until 2015, when the “Land Use Master Plan of Battambang City, 2030" (The Master Plan 2030 hereafter) was endorsed by the national gov- ‘ernment (Fig. 5). The Master Plan 2030 defines the spatial layout of Battambang Clty fo the long-term and the desired future functions of Jand.use zones within the entie administrative area of the City, with detailed maps for various topics, sueh as land use zones, transport networks, heritage conservation, and low-cost housing (Fig. 6). Eachie 872019 205-220 Fig. 4. Sketch of Battambang during the Inependence Period (1953-1970). Soure: Battambang Municipality 2015, p39), ‘Table 1 “otal population in Battambang 1998-2017 Source: Department of Panning (1998-2018). extnbong Oty tambon Province " sien a0 136761 exs508 2006 142,878 9885510 207136208 S389 aan 181086 Yon. hd ton 2009 144053 omaie ami 4697 Lon.aie goa nan ioon799 ™ stan ‘2016 161,072 1205.50, an? 161000 thas Jand-use zone has its accompanying regulations on what are promoted and prohibited. After endorsement by the national government, the ‘Master Plan 2030 has been a legal document ‘The Master Plan 2080 was an outcome of the 12year implementation of the Royal Government Decision No. 47 issued in 2003, with technical and financial support from the German International Gooperation (G12). Decision No. 47 was a framework for ‘the Asia Urbs Projects funded by the European Union and implemented ‘between 2001 and 2008 in Cambodia. These projets had multiple ‘objectives for promotion of decentralisation, empowerment of distiet/ ‘municipal authorities, and alleviation of poverty. Only Battambang and Siem Reap Municipalities were chosen to be part of the Asia Urbs Projects. Article 4 of the Decision No, 47 states that “in implementing ‘the pilot project, the two Districts shall be delegated with such power a= to direct, and/or to coordinate, and/or to promote, and/or to supervise the formulation of masterplan, land use planning, and all constrictions as approved, to build, epair and maintain roads, to control traffic ‘drculation, to register vehicles, to issue licenses and permits to com ‘mercial and service companies and to small and medium handicrafts, t0 handle educational, socal, cultural and health care affairs, to conduct civil registration or cerityall documents and all photocopied papers” ‘Thissignifes a major change ofthe administrative and decision-making responsibilities, because before the Asia Urbs Projects, all ofthe men- tioned tasks in Article 4 were a the hand ofthe provinces if undertaken at all, In Battambang City, the municipal administration implemented Decision No. 47 in various forms, including formulation of the Master Plan 2030 and establishment of One Window Services which combine several approval processes into one. No other cities in Cambodia, except the capital city, has anything similar to the Master Plan 2030. 3, Overview of territorial development planning in Cambodia According to Carbodis's Constitation, 1993, “the terstory of the Kingdom of Cambodia is dived into the capital city, provinces, mi: nicipalities, dstits (Grok/khan) and communes (khum/sangkat)” (Aaticle 145). Fig. 7 shows the administrative units and their hier archical postions. Cambodian provinces have muniipaityies) and2x6 (2019) 205-220 11000 200 ig. 5 Land wse masterplan of Battambang Cy, 2080 Sure: Battambang Municipality 2018) Aistits. Municipality is usually the eapital ety ofthe province. Dis twets are remote areas ina province. Khan fat the same administrative rank as dstret does but Khan i used for the Capital City Phnom Penh ‘only, Sangkat and Commune have the same administrative rank, though Sangkat is urban while Commune is rural Although district are usualy in remote areas and rural in nature, they may have urban set- ements on commune scale, tn this case there may be one oF more Sangkats in a district, At the time of writing this profil, there are 1 ‘apital city, 24 provinces, 12 khans, 26 municipalities, 159 distre 1409 communes, and 242 Sangkats in Cambodia. Spatial and socioeconomic planning are the two major planning \ypes in Cambodia (Table 2), There are national level spatial plans and socioeconomic development plans, which ae further detailed at sub- national levels. Spatial plans focus on land-use. At the national level policies and guidelines about Iandse planning in Cambodia are e tablished. All subnational land-use plans, such as those at capital/pro Vincial, municipal/dstrie/khan, and sangkat/commune levels have to follow these policies and guidelines. In between national and capital” provineal levels of planning is regional spatial planning, which eon ‘sider spatial development focus, priorities and policies by regions. The latter are emerging as groups of provinces. The physical geography divides Cambodia into five regions, namely the Cardamon Mountains, the hill region, the central plain, the Northern highlands, and the pa teaus. For the purpose of spatial planning at regional level, there was ‘only one attempt covering provinees of Koh Kong, Kampot, Sihanouk: ville, and Kep. The socioeconomic development plans include the “in some special eases (et, Banteay Meanchey and Seay Rien province) 3 province may have more tha one snail rectangular strategy which i “the socio-economic polly agenda ofthe polltical platform of the Royal Government of Carbo of the AA legislature ofthe National Assembly", and guides “the activites ofa stakeholders to futher pursue and strengthen long-term sustainable development, including the formulation of Cambodia's National Stra tegic Development Plan (Royal Government of Cambodia, 2012, p. 2). [AL the present, Cambodia is implementing the Rectangular Strategy Phase Il (2014-2018). The national strategie development pln is fol- lowed by S-year development plan, 3-year rolling plan, and 1-year action plan at eapital/provincial,muniipal/dstrict/khan, sangkat/eommune levels ‘The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and the Ministry of Planning (MoP) are ad- ministrative units in charge of plan formulation, poliey making, and plan implementation atthe national level. Both MLMUPC and MoP have their matching ofies at subnational administrative levels. These ‘matching offices are part of the local government but rake instructions from both the local governor and the higher level offices, all adin- Istrative divisions, except Sanghkat/commune, are expected tose up the Committe for Land Management and Urban Planning (CLMUP) (Ro Government of Cambodia, 2012). Thus, the national level CLMUP is chaired by the minister of MLMUPG, and at sub-national level, the CCLMUPs are led by provincial, municipal or district governors ith technical support from various departments/offices of MLMUPC and “MoP. CLMUP is initially esponsible for spatial planning in ts teretory. For example, at national o regional level, spatial planning has to be Initiated by the National CLMUP, and approved by a royal decree (ep, 2016). Similarly, at munieipal/district level, spatial planning has o be Initiated by the Municipal/District CLMUP, but endorsed by theerect es 87 (2019) 208-20 al Good Governance er Tene Cut’ rg Egacto are Cec nE nn CrIay Cerca kecas of Commerce Tac Rereuckecus ei) array our) eRe ig. 6. Diagram of Development Vision 2030 for Battambang City with six main pls. The figure inthe cent ofthe diagram isthe Citys Spatial Development Model. Source: Battambang Municipality (2015, p. 88) Provincial CLMUP, and approved by the National CLMUP (Fig. 8). The ‘munieipal/ district spatial plan has a vision for atleast 20 years and the plan is reviewed in every 5 years (Tep, 2016). 4. Recent changes and contemporary conditions 4.1. Administrative organization ‘The capital city, provinces, municipalities and districts have the same administrative structure (Pig 9). Each administrative division has ‘an elected council which has the authority to make legislative and ex: ‘ecutive decisions asigned and delegated by law. Each council functions for Syears before the next council is elected. The size of an elected council at the municipal level ranges from 7 to 15 councillors de- ‘pending the demographic and geographical factors inthe municipality. In Battambang Cty, there are 15 councillors. Councillors may bein one ‘or more committees in charge of particular area of socioeconomic de- velopment. The board of governors is a group of 3 to 7 people appointed by the national government. This board directly manages land supervises the councils personnel, and executes decisions made by ‘the eouneil (NCD, 2010). In Battambang City, there are 5 people on the board of governors. The head of the boars called the governor, “hose role is equivalent to @ company CEO. Under the board of governors isthe administration director. She or he is appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Interior and works in the role of assistant to the governor to supervise administrative work and to ensure the continuity of dally operations of the council and its board of governors. The administrative director is assisted by several personnel units, which are offices responsible for implementing deci- sions made by the council and the board of governors. In Battambang City, there are four such offices, namely the Office of Administration ‘and Finance, Office of Municipal Development, Office of Urban Beautification and Waste Management, and Office of Planning and ‘Sangkat Support. Each office has three or four staff members. Battambang City is organised into 10 Sangkat, whichis further d- vided into 62 villages (NCDD, 2017). Each Sangkat has a council wiCapital Phnom Pent Khan Tl ig. 7. Admiiseaive dviions in Cambodia Kingdom of Cambodia Distt Soure:Natoal Commitee for Sub-maonal Democratic Development (NCD) (2010) ‘Table2 Panning hierarchy and planing types in Cambodia Source Adapt from Te (200) Types oP ‘tne Nata Pty oe Spa Pains ‘dr eine eel gia pl Planing Rectangle Sratey (ow pose, 2014-18) ton Steg Deven Ph Manian Tee ‘roe Decne 2015-15 er hon) ‘hain an Ue ner Pan ‘omme/Snpat vel Comune Sight Land se Ping ‘neato 2135 was paved in price n Dee 2013-15 yeas ‘Manipal ad Use te lan Batata ad Us Mar la a boon Sear depen plan, 3a lig pan, od 1a ‘Ect pn ee rvton ee aoa at) Sear devlpoet pln 3 lig pn, 13 ‘eer pon ae tection om to ae) Sear develope lan, ea leg ph, a 13 ‘rept pn ee tcaton cr toa bdgt) ‘one staff member to handle all the administrative tasks, such as issu ‘ance of birth and marrage certificates, but it has no technical office to deal with sectoral developments such as housing, road, and drainage systems. Therefore, all he technical aspects of development in its ter "torial ae left to the hands of municipal offices and provincial de- partments 42 Beonomie characteristics Current employment structure is characterised by 27.2% in the agriculture sector, 71.3% in the service sector and 1.5% in the erat sector, The service sector includes a range of activities, such a6 pro: essing of agricultural produces (Le. the rice mil), etil busineses, hotels and even constriction.” The lack of data from government de- partments has made it impossible to discuss the details, Nevertheless, "The Department of Panning in Cambodia groups employment at thee sector, namely,agrclture, sevice, an rat This dasfieaton i diferent fom the international practic sing primary, secondary and verry groups but practised in Cambodia nationwide. By this clasieation, processing of real esate development has been an overwhelming business activi land the commercial sector is characterised by large proportion of in formal busines. Currently real estate development inthe City i fst-paced For in- tance, between 2013 and 2016, about 6500 apartments, shophouses and flats were builtin the Cty, but the numberof households was only increased by 2649 during the same period ~ an indleation that the ‘number of newly built apartment units was fr exceeding the number of households which moved into the units. However, realestate deve ‘opment projets in the ity have kept on expanding because there i no shortage of buyers, One of the mln reasons for this is that Cambodians prefer investing their savings in land and property eather than depos- ‘ting into a bank aecount. I isnot unsal that rich families generally ‘wn at least two houses plus some plots in the City. Another main ‘reason forthe fast-paced realestate development in the City is positive expectations for future developments (as vsioned in Fig. 6) that may bring economic growth and attract migrant. ‘Over 63% of the business places are at home and on strets while nearly 2996 are at traditional markets (National stitute of States & Ministry of Planning, 2013). Businesses on street are usually informa, ‘but they have to pay bribe in order to run ther Businesses on publi5: Hon Ye es 872019) 208-220 Approves Provincial Council Agrees/ Prova Commitee for ard > Managemen and Urban Panning endorzes: ig. 8 institutional structure for Muncpa/Distrct Land Use Maser Panning. Soure: Ministry of Land Management Urban Planing apd Constrcton (2016). streets. Those bribes in general go tothe pocket of individual official Majority ofthese businesses are operated by one or two people. Most of the businesses are related to food similar to the situation in other southeast Asian cities such as Bangkok. Businesses from home, such as small scale restaurants, employ mostly the family members. Businesses {in traditional markets deal with a larger range of commodities such as. clothes, meat, and vegetables. They have to rent a shop from a con tractor of a traditional market. In general, businesses at a traditional market are more established and stable than those operating on street oF from home. 4.3. Consruton of basic urban infrasructre ‘Since the 1990s, Batambang City has been working ard to build up its technical capacities via international training assistance and infra structure improvement. The City has had at least 8 international ad ‘visors working on projects of Master Planning, Informal settlement, and ‘Administration Management. None of the Cambodia cities, except Phnom Penk,” could match Battambang City in terms of the numberof international assistance programs received. The international advisors and aid programs have benefited many provincial department, in eluding the Provincial Hall, Department of Tourism, Department of ‘and Management, Department of Education, and Provincial Hospital, in staf taining and acquisition of new working sil ‘Several major infastructures were built by using private investment “Fora detaleddacusson about international ais and project in Phenom Pen, refer to Fling (2012) The seope ofthis profile and data avalbity allow either meaningflcomprion between Batambng and Phen Pen ‘ora Sensible generalisation of urban development in Cambodia. Phnom Penh {isthe national cee economically, poltcally and culturally, while Batam ‘hang is only a uit secondary ity with one eth of Phnom Pals population. ‘or international assistance programs. These external resources helped the Cty enormously as the annual budget of the City is very low, at about USD 625,000, The annual budget is a direct monetary allocation from the Central Government. In Cambodia, only the Ministry of Economy and Finance has the sle responsibility for tax collection, not local governments. The main income sources of the later isthe pubic service fees, such as those charged for issuance of vehicle number plates, licenses for busineses and advertising. Rental income from public land, such as those along the river banks for restaurants, might also contribute to the local government income but itis not clear ‘whether that contribution is partial or totally absent as there is no in- formation to clarify that point. As such, if relied upon its own budget, the Cty would not be able to construct any basi urban infastruture, regardless it is sewage system, freshwater pipe network, or road net- work ‘The City’s untreated sewage was directly released into the Sangker River until 1994 when the fist sewage treatment plant was in- augurated, The plant collects and treats sewage from up to 12,000 households living inthe core urban area at the west of Sangker River. Its construction was funded by the Dutch NGO Sawa and costed USD 460,000 (Casella, 1996). However, the plant capacity is far below the required level. Excessive sewage water often inundates the areas nearby the plant and blocks the open canals connecting to the plant. Because of this, the City i constructing another sewage treatment plant forthe east ofthe Sangher River. The expenditure on ths project is estimated to be USD 6.6 million which is financed by the ADB (Asian Development Bank, 212). However, the new treatment plant would not help resolve the sewage problem in the area west of the River. The City is looking for solutions to the undereapacity issue ofthe wastewater treatment plant the west ofthe Sangker River. ‘The establishment of dumpits in Battambang City has experienced 3 coordination, planning and management complexities to that5 Ha Yn ei 872019 205.229 ig. 9. The administrative structure ofthe capital province, nip, diet and Khan, Soure: NCDD (2010), showin in the construction ofthe wastewater treatment plant. By 2014, the first dumpsite ofthe City, which was about 3.5km from the city centre, was closed due to its undesirable environmental impact, Recently, the areas around this elosed dumpsite are being developed Xo residential and commercial use Houses and a large-sale shopping centre are planned, With financial support fom the ADB, the City has ‘established a new dumpsite, which is more than double the sizeof the ‘ld one, inthe northern ofthe City ~ about 5km from the ity entre ue to'2 low public awareness of waste practices, the Cambodi [Education and Waste Management Organization (COMPED), a non- ‘governmental organization, assists the City in raising public awareness fof waste management, at well as making compost (Battambang Municipality, 2016). Regarding freshwater supply, the Project for Replacement and Expansion of Water Distribution Systems in Battambang City was started in 2012, The Project ie financed by the Japanese Government it has expected to expand the existing freshwater supply from covering about 42% to 84% of the total household by 2019 (ICA, 2012). In 2016, 61% of the total household connected to freshwater pipelines, and the rest consumed water from other sources, suchas dg well and rivers (Department of Planning, 2017) Battambang City had used power from diesel-run generators uni late 2007 when the City imported power from Thailand with support, from the ADB (Asian Development Bank, 2008). Since then, further expansion of transmission lines in the City has been constructed (ig. 10) (Council for the Development of Cambodia, 2017). However, according to Census 2008, about 66% of the total household in the City sed power provided by the City, while the rest used energy from other source, such as batteries and generators. “There are two national roads in Battambang City - National Road #5, ‘and #57. National Road #5 was built during the Independence Period (2953-1970). t connects the City with Phnom Penh tothe east and Bangkok to the west. It not only functions as a trunk road for Cambodia Dut also an important industrial arterial of the Southern Beonomic Corridor forthe Mekong region (Vig 1). In 2017, the section between Battambang and Set Sophorn of National Road #5 was upgraded with the support ofthe Japanese Government. National Road #57 connects, Battambang City to the Cambodia-Thailand border through Palin, Province It plays an important roe in promoting trade ofagriuleural ‘oducts not only in Cambodia's north-western region but also between ‘Cambodia and Thailand. In 2008, the Cambodian Government secured support fom the Chinese Government in building National Road #57. With the City’s limited annual budget, local roads were slowly con- structed and asphalted. Nevertheless, the proportion of the asphalted road in the City was very low. For instance, there was a gradual in ‘reas in the total asphated road in the City from 15% in 2006 to 229% {in 2010 (Commune Database Online, 2010). ‘The establishment of markets in the forms of paved and/or unpaved ‘open space, a building with shops, and/or a building with shops along with its surrounding street areas, is considered asa great achievement of Battambang City. By 2010, there were 5 large-scale markets and 8, small-scale markets in the City (Commune Database Online, 2010). One ofthe large markets, Spar Nath, was bull in 1936 (during the French Protectorate), and today it is 2 dominant landmark of the City (Garambang Municipality, 2015). All the main markets, namely, Psar Nath, Spar Thmey, Psar Boeung Chuk, Psar Loew, and Spar Wat Leap, are located inthe core urban centre (Fg. 11). They enable Battambang City to function as a regional business centre, serving the wholeSS Hoe Yuin Legend Buit-up areas baed © ena 2006 Quicktira image 71 A 2009 urban agglomeration CT orBattambang Cty {Se Buiing footprints n 2008 Administrative boundary (J etettambang city HB bin water Boos — Niaonal Road — raiway © iy Hat A. Main arts Data source: Battambang ‘Murieipalty (2018) Produced date: 08 October 2017 Produced by: Ymeng Lim Fig. 11. Disiution of main markets in Battambang Cy. Source: Yineng Lim. financial difficulties and setled on public state land. When the frst time that official records were built for information settlers in 2009, the returning refugees registred 7.4% of the elty population living in n= formal settlement (Hattambang Municipality, 2008), in 2002, with the support of the German Government, a system of land registration in Battambang City was commenced and almost completed, taking 15 years due to arising land conflets during the process, In response to an inereasing volume of informal settlements, Battambang City has allocated low-cost housing steas to those who are living on crtieal state land, such as proposed public gardens, ralload or road corridors. With the support from Habitat for Humanity Cambodia (HEH) and Grz, the City has provided land tenure security to house- holds who were identified as informal settlers by the government, One ofthe successful project isthe on-site informal settlement upgrading at the Pre Preah Sdach Garden, where the land was planned for a public garden in 1980, but it was gradually occupied by informal settlers. In 2009, the city defined the Garden as a low-cost housing area, and re- Aistributed the land tothe siting informal setiers and also people who ‘were non-siting settlers but needed land to settle, With futher support from NGOs (e3. by providing construction materials), the informal settlers managed to build their houses on thelr nesly allocated land (tes 872019 205-220 Despite all these efforts, there is still a large percentage of informal ‘sotlrs living on the public land. The easons behind seem not the lack ‘of regulations because Cambodia has several legal documents in place, ‘such asthe 2001 Land Law, Circular 03 on ‘Resolution of Temporary Settlement on Land sthich has been Mlegally Occupied in the Capital, Municipal, and Urban Areas’ and the National Housing Policy, all of which address the issues of informal settlement, Rather, law enforce: ‘ment measures have been lacking. The local authorities and civil or sanisations have been allocated nelther the legal power nor the law enforcement skills to deal with issues of informal settlement in an ae countable and transparent way. Nevertheless, the lack of law enforce ‘ment also means that socal conflicts have not been evoked by forceful redevelopment ofthe informal settlements. So far there has not been any forced eviction of informal settler in Battambang City. ‘The land swap approach is often used in Battambang City because the public land is not subject to lease or sale (Royal Government of Cambodia, 2001). In fact, this approach enables the ety council t0 redevelop underused public land and encourages city expansion through real estate development. For example, after three sites of provincial departments (Le, the Department of Public Works and ‘Transport, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, andFig 12. The night mah the Department of Eduction Youth and Spot inthe core wb area ‘were sapped eth those in the per-arban areas, the former tes were Fle with highrise Builings amin atthe ih; a sory after the neve sts of the swapped department were constructed, thet su 45, Herta conservation ‘atambang Cty iicher han other Cambodian cites in posession ‘ot here buligs, but also facing greater challenge fo heritage ‘ous Badd pgodse were consrcted during the time ofthe Lord ‘deep believe of Buddhiem. About 780 shophoures and a number of public buldings were constructed in the early 20th century ding the ‘ves, and am alrprt were bul im the 19605 (Keck Banal 2010), These heritage lings contibue 10 the uniqueness of Ba high heritage value have ben demolished. For example, the easy ‘ying, the vet lini, andthe cinema were demoled i 209,201, sh 2017 respectively (ig. 13). Pete investors ae traced by the ‘resigiou lation of the vet clink for probe rel esate develo ‘ent, while forthe treasury bulding and te cinema, was the g: ‘the government had inadequate financial resource to purchase suitable Jund fora ew bung, dus the ol st was cleared td redeveloped. [Atough the heritage conservation zone inthe Clty was defined In 2009, and then billiard regulations forthe zone were developed in lemettaton and teinfored ofthe regulations. Thee is no commie ‘or working group in charge ofthe heritage conservation zone, Thee is landmark bungs occur frequently as there is Ite government ireevntion to pret On po hat, ll ses and al colours ae wed servation zone (iy. 1), This enerated a commercial brant ut Iertage wise devasang station, 5, Critical inser for future development Southent Asia. For more thin 150year from 1795 to. 1953, Baambang City had served a an administrate, caltural and market Battambang ly acqulred he basi infastuctare fo to cone part ‘ofthe modern wansport network by constucting ts alway line, st the quarter century period of independence. Urban development In aambang was staghated during te Khmer Rouge yours, but since ‘omic growth especialy in real esate and commercial sectors A numberof rit lees deserve attention fr the City's fate devel connect atambang Cty witht catchment ares. Asa market ene, the Cty collect, pocenes and dinribute ce and other agrelcura ow ofagculral products and intensify agricul production tn the region (lop & So. 2016), So fa, tlecommunicaons and tuk ennetng to Phnom Ph and the Cambodian-Tal border (oiped i ‘eng rehabilitate. However, lacal toads that connect the Clty with ‘he total rads inthe cy were aspaledin 2010 (Commune Database ‘nlite, 2010) 18 2016, the peopeton of xpd oad was reduced toad (Deparment of Panning, 2010 Second, the development of Batamban’ tous industry is ca lenge by he lack of hertage protection and the absence ofa services. ‘Proper inituione sich ae commie lor herage conseration 30dVet clinic building built in the French colonial period. Source: Koditek (2008) Cinema built in the Independence Period. Bunzel (2007) Treasury building built in the French colonial period. Source: Koditek (2008) Former site of the vet clinic is developed as mixed use by a private investor. Photo in 2018 Source: Ymeng Lim Former site of the cinema is developed as the Department of Industry and Handicraft. Photo in 2018 Source: Ymeng Lim Treasury building in 2018 Source: Ymeng Lim Fig. 13, Some outstanding buildings in Batambang City were demolished,coe 87201) 205-220, ig. 14, Competing edverisement boards inthe heritage conservation zoe in Soure: Ymeng Lin, ‘regulations for protecting and utlzing heritage buildings are required ‘but not yet established. The consequence of institutional decency has already been apparent in losing landmark buildings such as the treasury ‘building, the vet clinic and the cinema, In addition, the improvement of tourist facilities and infrastructure is badly needed. One example of such infrastructure isthe aleport. At the preset, the airport i only used. by the military and for special guests but no fight services for civilians. ‘As Battambang City is more than 5h away from Phaom Penk by ca, ait routes would offer great potential to attract both national and intr. rational tourists and promote economic development (Carteret a, 2016). Battambang is lagging behind other tourism cites in Southeast, ‘Asia, such as Luang Prabang and Penang, which ae all connected by a services Battambang already has an airport which could accommodate ‘regional fights connecting to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanouk ville ‘Third, the rapid inerease of urban population in Battambang City has increased demand for housing and urban infrastructure. The annual {growth rate of population in Battambang was 0.8% between 2008 and 2015, In the period 2015-2016, however, the annual growth rate of population jumped to 5.2% (Department of Planning, 2017). Ome main ‘reason for this sharp population increase was the inflow students who ‘ame to the City for ther tertiary education. By 2016, there were 9 ‘universes inthe City with a total of 9579 students (Department of Planning, 2016). Many ofthe students came from the regional areas of ‘attambang City. The rapid increase in population literally means a rapid increase in the demand for housing and basic urban infra structure, such as roads, drainage and sewage pipes, and freshwater supply. Fourth, informal settlements are a time bomb which need urgent and just solutions. A pasiveatiude towards informal settlement may cause It to expand further (Khemro & Payne, 2004). Forced eviction, such as that observed in Phnom Penh driven by economic development and cty beautification projects (STT, 2014) may occur in Battambang iy. In order to minimize social conflict and avoid violation of human rights recognised by the Cambodians Constitution, the City needs ur gently innovative approaches to deal with its Informal settlements. ‘These approached could be human rights based and/or community-Jed, Experiences in other southeast Asian countries may provide useful re ferences to explore solutions that are suitable to the Cambodian con Last but not last, Battambang City will have to malatain and im prove its natural and the built environment in order to keep is beauty land charm and compete with other cities such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, in particular, bylaws and regulations are required to manage the Sangker River. The recent development in three sits along the River bank sent a warning message tothe Cty about the negative ‘environmental consequences. Two f the developments are large-scale Private restaurants, each with more than 30 tables. Litter such as Plastics and cans have already been visible though most of the times the ‘owners maintain the areas well. However, complains have been voiced because the river bank isa precious pubic open space with greeneries yet the sites are used for private businesses rather than forthe public ‘This i very understandable in a city where in general there is very limited public open space. The third site is occupied by a private nur sery. There hasnt been liter problems but the reduced access of the river bank to the public is also a concern. If the tend of uncontrolled development continues along the River bank and other sensitive loca tions, the City will soon lose its natural beauty in addition to the amounting social concerns. n adlition, the erosion of the River banks ‘should be fixed, which i a challenge to the City as such a project wil require a significant financial commitment and efforts to obtain ass tance from international donors. References ‘ADB hp. 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