A view of the landscape at Pursat province's Phnom 1500 eco-tourism site. The provincial authorities are preparing a new 150-hectare site for the villager's relocation. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Pursat provincial authorities are preparing a new location of over 150 hectares for people who volunteer to relocate from the Phnom 1500 eco-tourism site and have given 30 days to those who have not yet agreed to abide by the government's land policy and move.
Provincial governor Khoy Rida said on July 1 that authorities are working hard to prepare the new area for individuals who agreed to leave the original site, located in Dey Krahorm village of Veal Veng district’s Anlong Reap commune.
He noted the new site is located about six kilometres from the district’s Elephant Circle roundabout.
“We have been preparing a new location for more than a week. Its location is not far away. It is near the town, making it convenient. There is infrastructure like roads, electricity and water, and some residents have already visited it,” he said.
Rida noted that 98 families have been living in the Phnom 1500 area but only 67 of them have agreed to leave. He said the authorities have advised them to continue cooperating with officials to prepare to move to the new location once completed.
“The preparation of the new site is to ensure that they live safely, proudly and can continue their professional work,” he said.
Of the families, he mentioned five have been allowed to continue harvesting durians for three years, to repay their investment.
Rida went on to say that residents have been advised to plant trees in the land between crops and that they do not have to build new infrastructure. He added they can temporarily occupy and enjoy the new location before abandoning the old one and securing the right to apply for a title on the new site.
He noted the remaining 31 families that have not yet agreed to leave have been advised to reconsider their decision within 30 days from June 25.
“When the 30 days are over and if they have not decided to leave, dismantle or apply for a land title, they are responsible for any loss and may face legal consequences,” the provincial administration’s June 25 announcement read.
The provincial governor also said that the inter-ministerial working group had discussed the issue in detail and decided that the people will be provided with the same amount of land they are currently using for their livelihood. For their homes, the team will assess and ensure that those who live in smaller homes at the old site will receive larger ones.
“Whenever they voluntarily leave Phnom 1500, we will issue a land title for them,” he said, adding that they could begin farming before relocating.
However, due to the rainy season, Rida mentioned it is not yet possible to determine when the preparation of the new site will be completed.
After volunteering to relocate, he said the authorities advised the individuals to plant trees to restore Phnom 1500’s green cover.
Rida said that the replanting of trees has already been prepared, adding there is also a clear study in place on the types of trees to be planted and maintained.
“We are also considering the care of the trees, not just their planting. In one to three years, I think the area will be transformed into a green and beautiful landscape,” he added.
