About 100 families remain in Dey Krahorm in defiance of authorities

Photo by:

Heng Chivoan

Residents of Dey Krahorm face uncertain future as forced eviction looms.

AS the December 30 eviction deadline for Dey Krahorm residents came and went, locals expressed relief while hunkering down for a possible standoff with authorities.

District authorities ordered residents to vacate their homes by Tuesday or face forced eviction, but community leaders have vowed to defy the order.

"We are ready to fight eviction, but everything is normal," said Chan Vichet, who represents disgruntled Dey Krahorm residents.

Chan Vichet said that  about 120 families out of the original 1,465 are living in fear of arrest as they defy the order by staying in their homes.

"All residents dare not go far from home for fear of eviction," he said.

"The company has no right to evict people. Only the authorities can do that," he said.

Local property developer 7NG plans to clear Dey Krahorm for unspecified purposes and has offered compensation to the mostly poor residents.

The company says it gave residents the option of receiving US$10,000 cash plus 770,000 riels ($192.50), or a house in Dangkor district plus 770,000 riels to leave their homes.

Community leaders have rejected the offer as insufficient.

Srey Sothea, 7NG chairman, said the compensation offer is fair.

"We own the land and are very sorry some people have not left," he said by phone, adding that he obtained the land title in 2006.