Residents of Group 34 in Chamkarmon district are struggling to raise enough cash to buy land for new homes in the capital.

Authorities have allowed the villagers to move to a site 10 kilometres from their current homes, but only if families contribute US$100 (416,300 riels) each to buy the land. “Now it’s our problem because we don’t have the money,” said So Vor, who is part of the Group 34 community living in Tomnup Toek commune.

Chamkarmon district Governor Lo Yuy confirmed that the villagers were obliged to raise the extra cash. “If they have not saved enough money, it is their problem, because the villagers have already given their thumbprints and agreed that each family will give $100,” Lo Yuy said. “We will wait for them until we get the money from them.”