District authorities have again moved to quash long-running rumours that residents of Phnom Penh’s iconic White Building will be evicted to make way for development.

The assurances, delivered by Chamkarmon district deputy governor Chor Kimsor, were made yesterday at a forum for the building’s residents, which also addressed concerns that overcrowding and DIY renovations had compromised the building’s structure.

“I would like to announce ... that there is no development,” Kimsor told about 300 residents of the complex, home to 547 families. “There is no one to evict you from here … I can assure you. If there is an eviction, I will step down from my position.”

Rumours of eviction have plagued the complex, built in the 1960s, particularly after an engineering study, prompted by a large crack in February, found the structure was overloaded.

Kimsor, citing several previous warnings, said it was residents’ choice to stay amid the risks.

“If you don’t leave, it’s your problem. We are the authority, we only inform of danger; if a collapse happens, please don’t accuse the authority not telling you."