Hundreds of people in Siem Reap province’s Chi Kraeng district are concerned that they could lose their homes and farmland if a government plan to construct a canal in the area goes ahead, villagers said yesterday.

Mao But, one of the villagers who could be affected by the build, told the Post that fears were sparked on Monday when officials began measuring the land in Kok Thloak Loeu commune.

“I am so worried”, But said. “We demand the government stops the plans, but if they cannot do that we want them to give us $5 per square meter.”

Another villager, Pei Mai, said she was demanding $20,000 in compensation.

Seng Hai, a government official from the inter-ministerial committee tasked with measuring the land, said compensation has yet to be decided, but added that he would find a “good solution” for the villagers.

Touch Try, chief of Kok Thloak Loeu commune, said that if an agreement could not be reached, the plans could be put on pause.