Villagers in Kampot town have filed a complaint against a businessman who has allegedly ordered the filling in of a pond dug during the French protectorate, which they rely on for their water supply.

About 100 villagers filed a complaint with the Andong Khmer commune authorities yesterday against the businessman they identified only as “Yel”.

Chan Sok, 60, said the villagers were shocked to see 10 trucks dumping earth into the pond, which the community “depends on every day”. Yoy Si Thoung, the commune chief, denied claims local authorities were colluding with the businessman.

Nak Sovanary, Kampot town governor, said authorities would investigate. “The pond is a kind of treasure of the state. No one has the right to fill it in and take ownership. It will not happen again,” he said.