Latest News

Lost Lakes of Phnom Penh: Ten years of sand

Images from Google Earth reveal massive changes in land use in Phnom Penh over the past ten years. In terms of lakes this is particularly evident, with many central lakes filled in or partially filled in over the last decade. The below images highlight the situation:…

If you haven’t been here before you might be wondering what Urban Voice is all about. A brief glance at the site shows posts, a bunch of pictures, something called a campaign and the prerequisite Facebook and Twitter connections. That’s most sites. But Urban Voice also has the Map and a button that says ‘Submit A Report’. If you’re left wondering what it’s for, what it’s about, then keep reading!

The short answer is simple – Urban Voice is a tool for us all to participate in the urban development of Phnom Penh by sharing information and events through an online map.

The longer explanation is that Urban Voice is Phnom Penh’s – and Cambodia’s – first crowdmapping website. We use the population (you!) to provide information that we collect and collate in an easy-to-use graphical interface – the Map.…

New research on sustainable and inclusive urban transportation

During a recent Phnom Penh visit by the Mayor of Paris, two year-old plans for an electric-powered tram system for the capital were re-visited. Reported in the Phnom Penh Post, current feasibility studies by French company Systra are looking into developing a tram line that would run the length of Monivong Boulevard towards Chbar Ampov in Meanchey district.

Public transportation is undoubtedly sorely needed in Phnom Penh. At the same time, however, a new study by The Rockefeller Foundation entitled Catalyzing the New Mobility in Cities highlights the increasing need not only for public transportation per se, but for public transportation that is inclusive. The study notes how the needs of low-income households are often disregarded in decision-making on and investments into urban transportation, making poorer households…

VTrust: Cost of Urban Homes Rising Faster than Incomes

According VTrust’s quarterly newsletter issued today, urban home prices are rising faster than incomes. The newsletter outlines how middle-class and poorer home buyers will find it increasingly hard to get onto the property ladder in the future as property prices and inflation increase and wages don’t keep up. “Currently, an income of around US$1,000 per month is good enough to secure a bank loan for a house worth US$40,000 to US$50,000, but it’s going to be a daunting challenge finding houses with those prices by the next 5 to 6 years,” the newsletter states. You can access the newsletter here: Vtrust Quarterly Newsletter.…

Now this is exciting. Urban Voice has downloaded Frontline SMS, and now you can send us text messages! We don’t have full capability yet, meaning you can’t send messages directly to the site, but provided you give us enough information, we can upload the reports for you. The number is: 097 264 0056 and all you need to do is to send us details of what, where, and when, and we’ll do the rest! For example, to report flooding you can send us message stating “Flooding, corner of street 63 and 278, Apr. 4, 4pm”.

We’re especially interested in getting reports about blackouts by text message. By including the words ‘electricity’, ‘power’, or ‘blackout’ in the message, you will get an automatic reply to confirm receipt of your report, which our team will then upload…

There’s been lots of talk over the past couple days about the power cuts that keep plaguing Phnom Penh. Urban Voice even got a mention in a recent article in the Phnom Penh Post! Many of you have also sent us reports, for which many thanks; we’re slowly starting to see a pattern, but please keep the reports coming in! (now also via SMS – 097 264 0056)

While Urban Voice is highlighting power cuts as a problem, we do at the same time recognise that Cambodia is still developing and there currently simply is not power for everyone. More power isn’t the point of the campaign. What we are calling for is for Electricité du Cambodge (EDC) to publish a schedule of power cuts: when, where, and for how long. This is done in developing country cities across the globe and significantly helps to alleviate the economic costs of …

Urban Voice (www.urbanvoicecambodia.net) is currently looking for two full-time Cambodian interns to support its urban crowdsourcing project. The successful candidates will work closely with the project team, taking on real responsibilities and learning new skills.

Main responsibilities:
• Assist research activities on urban issue with a focus on data collection and entry
• Media monitoring
• Assist the Team’s work on the site, including production of inputs

Qualifications:
• A student/graduate in journalism, IT, architecture, land management or a related field
• Knowledge of and experience in using social media

All interns are expected to:
• Ability to use a computer, including Microsoft Office (knowledge of Photoshop is an advantage)
• Good ability to understand and communicate in Khmer and …