The government is donating 168ha in Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong to the Royal Group to build a 700MW coal-fired power plant.

A sub-decree obtained by The Post on Sunday said the Ministry of Environment has to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and others to prepare the deal.

The Post could not contact Royal Group chairman Neak Oknha Kith Meng for comment about the size of the investment.

Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported last Wednesday that the investment plan is more than $1.3 billion. Of that, 30 per cent is direct capital and 70 per cent from bank loans. The lease term is 38 years.

Adhoc spokesman Seung Sen Karona said the government should release the report on the plant’s impact on society and the environment before deciding to lease it to a private company.

“In general, we are concerned about the effects of this plan,” he said.

Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra told RFI on August 6 that the government had already studied and evaluated the plan before making the decision.

Pheaktra said the 58 affected families have already been compensated by the company.