Land management minister Say Samal visited the Run Ta Ek development area in Siem Reap province’s Banteay Srei district on August 26. LAND MANAGEMENT MINISTRY
Say Samal, the new Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, has urged several state institutions to work together to protect the Angkor Archaeological Park from illegal encroachment, as the land represents a valuable heritage treasure, not just for the Kingdom but the world.
He highlighted the need for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the APSARA National Authority (ANA) and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration to collaborate on this crucial task.
Samal was speaking at an August 25 meeting held to review the progress of construction and land issues in the Angkor Park – and other areas under the management of the ANA – at the provincial hall.
The meeting was attended by culture minister Phoeung Sakona, new provincial governor Prak Sophoan and representatives of several pertinent ministries, departments and units.
“The culture ministry, as well as the ANA, should work closely with provincial authorities to maintain the protected areas in the Angkor area,” Samal was quoted as saying by the provincial information department.
“There must be no further encroachment, as we must preserve this precious cultural heritage, for the people of Cambodia and the world,” he added.
He also offered several recommendations about measures that could be taken to solve the problem of illegal construction within the land managed by the ANA.
ANA spokesman Long Kosal did not comment on Samal’s recommendations when contacted by The Post on August 27, but said the authorities are replanting grass and saplings – and installing drainage systems – in the areas people have moved out from, in order to restore them to clean, green spaces.
According to an August 25 report by the land management ministry, 9,836 households from the Angkor area have taken part in the draw for new plots of land in two development areas
The Run Ta Ek development area, in Banteay Srei district, has seen 5,865 households awarded new land, while 3,971 families have been granted plots in the Peak Sneng development area, in Angkor Thom district.
The ministry noted that the development of infrastructure in both development areas was close to completion. Once completed, both areas will feature concrete and gravel roads, schools, pagodas, markets and health centres, as well as a clean water supply and electricity.
