Kandal provincial authorities meet to find solutions for the families living along the river in Takhmao town on May 3. KANDAL ADMINISTRATION
The Kandal Provincial Administration is studying the impact of its plans to rehabilitate canals and reservoirs at Boeung Choeung Ek in Zone 5 to avoid flooding during the rainy season on the houses of 173 families along the Chrov River in Doeum Mean commune’s Stung Chrov village of Takhmao town.
Kruy Malen, head of administration and spokesperson for the provincial hall, said on May 4 that governor Kong Sophorn had chaired a meeting to find a solution for the families before the project was implemented.
At the meeting, provincial authorities submitted a policy to the company that will carry out the project. The company will study the issue ahead of a meeting next week, when they will submit their proposal for a decision from the governor.
“Whether people are living right on the canal, or just near to it, our experts are considering the impact of the project on them. We are conducting more research and consulting with residents, but the results of our research is not yet finalised,” he said.
He said construction of the irrigation system was important to ensure the avoidance of major floods and to prevent landslides from affecting people’s houses along the Prek Tnaot River.
Moeng Youleng, director of the provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, said on May 4 that this was just the first meeting, so no details had been agreed upon yet.
He said that the department would schedule a meeting soon to evaluate the company’s proposal and would then set out the results it expected from the work.
“I am planning to meet with the department’s technical staff. We will see if the company’s plans tally up with the results we are looking for. We need to prevent excessive water flow, and to make sure it does not erode land or flood people’s homes. After we have studied the plans, we will meet with the company and make our expectations clear,” he said.
Soeung Sen Karuna, senior investigator of rights group ADHOC, said on May 4 that people usually want development. He said he supports development, but if it affects citizens, the authorities should consult directly with the public to determine how it should shape its response and how to meet their needs appropriately.
“Authorities should assess any projects impact on the people living in the area, and should clearly understand what their desired outcomes are, especially when there are demands for relocation. It is possible, depending on the discussion, to avoid non-negotiation or to have them evicted,” he said.
