Background

The aim of this project is to strengthen the self-confidence, competence and dignity of the urban poor by reducing their poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion through directly empowering their communities to improve their access to affordable basic services and better living environments. This phase of the project will draw on and benefit from a range of lessons learned from the first phase to optimize the outcomes of the community-based infrastructure and basic services provision in slum and squatter settlements in Phnom Penh. The direct involvement of the poor themselves in the design and implementation of improvement activities will also provide employment to community members. The proposed project will assist the Municipality in achieving the national target of "improving 100 slum-squatter settlements per annum," a commitment made by the Prime Minister in May 2003.

Activities
A Community Human Security Fund has been set up to support the implementation of approximately 260 Community Action Plans (covering the following areas: water and sanitation; drainage; solid waste disposal; access roads and walkways; health; and income generation) in support of in situ upgrading. Linkages with the rban Poor Development Fund (UPDF) and SEILA programmes have been made.

Results
It is expected that the improved living conditions in slum and squatter settlements will contribute to enhancing the dignity and self-confidence of beneficiaries.