After the deadline passed, demolition reportedly began on these structures in the Phnom 1500 area, in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district. Supplied
Authorities have begun demolishing the homes and commercial structures of residents who refused to leave the Phnom 1500 area, in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district.
The eviction deadline for the remaining residents of the area, in Anglong Reap commune’s Dey Krahom village, expired on March 18.
According to the authorities, the area is being cleared for conversion into a “green” zone.
Before the demolitions began, police officers and Veal Veng district authorities visited the remaining 19 households on the morning of March 17 to request that they sign fingerprint agreements to vacate their homes and accept relocation to a new site.
Civil society organisations have expressed strong concerns over these measures.
The authorities warned that if they refused, demolitions would proceed. The residents refused. That afternoon, heavy machinery was brought into the area, according to a statement from the human rights organization ADHOC on March 18.
“The demolition started yesterday, but based on the information I received, machinery has not yet been used to destroy the homes. Instead, they are dismantling wooden roofs by hand,” said Yin Mengly, ADHOC deputy director for land and human rights, on the morning of Wednesday, March 19.
A total of 98 families had previously settled in the Antung Ang area, with the majority agreeing to relocate.
On March 3, the Pursat provincial administration issued a final notice to the remaining residents, ordering them to dismantle their homes and leave within 15 days.
Authorities warned that if they failed to comply by the deadline, legal action would be taken and the administration would not be held responsible for any property losses.
ADHOC believes that authorities and relevant institutions should engage with residents to better understand their reasons for refusing to leave and to listen to their concerns, rather than issuing strict eviction deadlines.
The organisation suggested that such measures could lead to significant property losses and worsen the economic hardships of affected families. Ultimately, this could also damage the government’s public image.
When contacted for comment, Pursat provincial governor Khoy Rida said he was travelling in an area without phone service and was unable to respond on Wednesday.
However, last week, the governor explained that the provincial administration has issued multiple notices and held several meetings with the remaining residents to explain the relocation plan and encourage them to move to the new site prepared by authorities.
He noted that the deadline had already been extended multiple times, so there would be no more extensions.
The relocation site, designated for residents who voluntarily move from the area, spans over 150 hectares. It is located about six kilometres from the Veal Veng district’s Elephant Roundabout, close to a populated area. Authorities say they have provided infrastructure such as paved roads, electricity and water.
Veal Veng district governor Theang Leng and Anlong Reap police chief Yen Dendy declined to comment on the matter on Wednesday morning. Pursat provincial administrative director Nara Chamroeun was also unavailable for comment.
