Some Siem Reap families are balking at the Apsara Authority’s order for them to leave their homes – which were allegedly constructed illegally – and move to a government-provided settlement by Friday.

About 100 families currently farm state-owned land overseen by Apsara, spokeswoman Chau Sun Kerya said yesterday. But Kuy Wai, Run Ta Ek commune’s chief in the province’s Banteay Srei district, said people refuse to leave to make way for a development project.

‘‘More than 20 families built homes illegally on the state‘s land, that’s why Apsara Authority announced that they must move,’’ Wai said.

According to Wai, 66 families agreed to move to the new location, where they will be allocated 15-by-25 metres of residential land and about a hectare for agriculture.

But some living on the land yesterday said their families have called it home for decades.

Villager Yin Sokunthea, who’s lived there since 1994, further complained that she was offered no monetary compensation for her house.

“People who are ordered to move must get compensation,” Sokunthea said.