A vow from Phnom Penh’s new governor, Pa Socheatvong, to resolve the capital’s long-running Boeung Kak and Borei Keila land disputes must be followed through on, representatives from each community said.

“I strongly believe the new governor, Pa Socheatvong, cannot ignore our problem like the old governor did if he truly considers us his people,” Boeung Kak lake land activist Heng Mom said, adding that she supported comments Socheatvong made during his swearing-in on Friday.

Chhay Kimhon, a Borei Keila representative, had similar expectations. “We expect he will now do as he has committed.”

The Boeung Kak community and an NGO last week released a map of a proposed demarcation of the area, which they say could resolve the dispute.