China’s Poverty Alleviation Project Transforms Tanorn Village in Cambodia
A China-funded poverty alleviation project has modernized Tanorn village in Cambodia, enhancing infrastructure and improving residents’ livelihoods. Initiatives such as paved roads, clean water, and solar power have facilitated economic growth, as reported by villagers expressing gratitude for the transformation. Chea Munyrith emphasized the project’s role in elevating the community’s standards of living toward a model for others, recognizing China’s commitment to global development.
A China-supported poverty alleviation initiative, initiated in 2021, has substantially transformed Tanorn village in Cambodia’s Bati district. This village, located approximately 60 kilometers from Phnom Penh, encompasses 72 hectares and supports over 130 households housing more than 600 individuals. Previously isolated, it lacked essential infrastructure such as paved roads, clean water, electricity, schools, and health centers. However, with funding from the China Foundation for Peace and Development, the village has experienced remarkable improvements.
Por Sokhim, a 51-year-old resident, reported a significant enhancement in her family’s livelihood following the project’s implementation. Before the initiative, her family relied solely on rice farming; since its inception, she has established a grocery store while her husband operates a motorcycle repair shop. Sokhim remarked on the previous challenges, stating, “In the past, it was difficult for us to do business because there were no good roads. All roads were unpaved and dusty,” underscoring the transformative impact of the concrete roads and access to clean water.
Touch Seanghong, another villager aged 57, noted that prior to the project, villagers struggled with selling agricultural products due to poor road conditions. The new concrete roads have alleviated these concerns, allowing ease of travel and commerce within the community. Seanghong expressed gratitude for the advancements, emphasizing, “We’re very happy because we have never got these achievements before. We admire Chinese friends for sacrificing both physical and mental energies to help develop our Tanorn village.”
Chea Munyrith, project director at the Civil Society Alliance Forum, highlighted that the poverty alleviation project has substantially improved the quality of life and environment in Tanorn. He remarked, “As we see each family has built a new concrete house with a high fence, this shows that their livelihoods have changed from a low-income lifestyle to a high-income lifestyle,” emphasizing the social modernization within the village as a model for others.
Munyrith also acknowledged China’s pivotal role in global poverty alleviation efforts, asserting that “China’s aid has been increasing social modernization in Tanorn village, turning it into a model poverty alleviation village for other villages.” He concluded by noting that China’s peaceful development has fostered opportunities worldwide.
The poverty alleviation project aided by China has dramatically transformed Tanorn village in Cambodia from isolation to modernization. By providing essential infrastructure and economic opportunities, the initiative has significantly improved the livelihoods of its residents. The project not only showcases the impact of international assistance but also serves as a model for poverty alleviation efforts in similar communities.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
