An aerial view of Pursat province's Phnom 1500. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Authorities plan to provide land to around 70 families who have agreed to leave Phnom 1500 for a new location this August, while 50,000 saplings are being planted to restore the forest and create a natural tourism destination.
While road construction to the new location is between 40 to 50 per cent complete, the provincial administration is also setting up a committee to grant land to residents, according to Pursat provincial governor Khoy Rida.
“We are setting up a committee to hand over the land to the people this August. I am signing the relevant documents so that the team can begin work as soon as possible,” he said on August 6.
Rida noted that 98 families had moved to the area in Dey Krahorm village of Veal Veng district’s Anlong Reap commune without permission. After explanations and education from the authorities, 67 of the families agreed to leave for the new location as of last month.
He said the new 150-hectare site is located about six kilometres from the Elephant Roundabout in the district, near the town.
The provincial governor added that since last month, a few more families have agreed to leave. He said citizens who voluntarily relocate will receive the same amount of land as they own at the old location.
The provincial administration has stated that those who still refuse to relocate and do not apply for land will be responsible for the loss of benefits and will face legal consequences.
“Roads and water are necessary for people. They have not yet moved to [the new location] because the road is not yet completed,” Rida said.
He noted that reforestation work has been underway since August 3, with 50,000 trees planted in the first phase.
Rida said that the trees are of various species including kranhong (rosewood), thnong, beng, koki and kokoh.
“The trees are being planted on the seized land with careful consideration for their survival, aiming to create a green landscape and restore forest cover. Rushing the process would jeopardise the trees' survival, so it’s essential they are planted properly,” he said.
He added that the trees could only be planted during the next three months otherwise they would not survive the dry season.
Phnom 1500, located in the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, is a natural resource conservation area and a unique tourist destination. The government has decided to protect it as a natural tourist site at the request of the people.
