From the Central Post Office to the Royal Palace, Sisowath Quay is from now on a pedestrian zone on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is not much but still: This is a major step towards a more livable and attractive capital.      

Because, and let's not mince words, Phnom Penh is an ill-treated city, devoured by the automobile. At last, during two short evenings each week, one will be able to quietly stroll, without the noise of engines and without swimming in exhaust fumes, along the Tonle Sap river and serenely admire this site unique in the world that is the “Confluence des Quatre-Bras,” or the confluence of four river arms.         

The municipal authorities have announced that they will draw conclusions from this experience in a little while in order to improve it. Let’s start by suggesting two avenues for reflection: to gradually extend the pedestrian zone to Street 13, and then why not to Street 19, and progressively increase the number of days.  

While there is no doubt that national and international tourists would vote for these measures, one can imagine that people living in the area might react with long faces in view of the constraints this could mean for them.  

Measures taken to turn historical and touristic neighborhoods into pedestrian areas in other capitals have often triggered opposition at first but eventually prevailed as they meet the expectations of tourists and business people while providing better living conditions for the areas’ residents.      

As Phnom Penh just experienced pollution peaks, let’s help the city breathe better along with us. And, by using our feet and walk, let’s encourage the capital's municipal authorities to think bigger.