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Fireworks Sales SKyrocket
During
New Year
Just past
Pochentong Airport next to Men Saroeun's roadside shop hangs a rusty
blue sign with faded white letters. "All types of rockets for
sale, "it reads.
And this, Men Saroeun, 58, said, is fireworks season. He does a
brisk trade year-round in selling fireworks, but a no time are sales
better than the Khmer New Year. "The best sellers are the 12
millimeters, 18 millimeters and 80 millimeters. I have 300 pieces in
stock of the 12 millimeters, "Men saroeun said, taking a
cardboard sheet with shredded corners his fireworks price list from
his wallet. Prices range from $1 to $50 per rocket.
Of course, there are drawbacks, he said. "For the 120
millimeter and the 130 millimeters, it will take three days in order
to get them. But very few people look for them, "Men Saroeun
said.
In spite of the good news for vendors like Men Saroeun, residents of
Phnom Penh have some bad news: Fireworks are not allowed inside the
city limits.
"We do not have the proper places like those in the country
side," Phnom Penh govenor Chea Sophara said.
It's nothing personal, the governor said, adding that he enjoys
fireworks himself. "We set fireworks for the water festival and
Independence Day. Back in 1994, we spent around $50,000 on a
three-day fireworks display. I like Khmer-made fireworks because
that helps our local makers get markets, "Chea Sophara said.
That is exactly what attracted Men Saroeun, he said. Earning around
$2 per day as a motorcycle repairman, he turned to fireworks sales
to help feed his seven children, Men Saroeun said.
Men Saroeun said he buys his stock from a family in Takeo.
"They make good fireworks. If you keep them away from water,
they'll last a long time. One year, guaranteed, "he said.
But even in the countryside, where they are legal, fireworks can
cause some trouble, Takeo Governor Kep Chutema said. During his
first year as governor, when people began a barrage close to his
office, he at first thought he was under attack.
"I was terrified, "Kep Chutema said, laughing.
Ever since, authorities have asked people to let them know when they
are going to be launching the rockets.
"So far, people enjoy them and no one has gotten hurt. At Phnom
Chisor, we plan to launch 15 millimeter fireworks in the Khmer New
Year. I hope the area will see more visitors this year, "Kep
Chuterma said.
And while business is good this year, Men Saroeun said, it could
always be better. "I hope this year, many people will buy more,
"he said, smiling.
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