"Construction site temp housing ‘not sanitary’", 8 August 2019

A recent study claimed that temporary housing on construction sites across Cambodia did not meet the minimum sanitary standards or the needs of workers and their family members, while most construction companies do not abide by legally required procedures…

The report, entitled Assessment of Washing Facilities at Temporary Housing on Construction Sites, was issued by the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC).

It is the result of surveys and discussions with 29 focus groups at 17 construction sites in Phnom Penh and two provinces…

The report found that none of the construction sites assessed in Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk provinces met the stipulated clean water or hygiene standards.

“A limited number of toilets results in open urination and defecation. Bathing, too, is a matter of concern for many women as bathing stations are in the open and shared with the men,” the report said.

… Tuot Vuthy, 46, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, told … that living areas and sanitation did not meet the required standards.

He said most temporary housing comprised tents close to construction sites, there was a shortage of drinking water, toilets were in poor condition and lacked privacy, and workers sometimes had to walk long distances to defecate.

… BWTUC president Sok Kin said: “Construction workers have to pay for everything and their wages are very low which makes it difficult for them to live…