NagaCorp Ltd is being forced to dismantle part of its ongoing construction near the National Assembly after a chance inspection by a surprise visitor – Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Following a speech at a nearby groundbreaking, the premier decided to go for a stroll and ended up examining the building project.

Within hours, City Hall and the Ministry of Land Management had convened a meeting on his order and deemed the new building’s design unlawful.

City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche said Hun Sen had determined “the company built the building illegally” and that it tarnished the capital’s beauty.

“As a result, Em Chhun Lem, minister of land management, urban planning and construction, and Pa Socheatvong, Phnom Penh municipal governor, decided to issue a letter to delay the construction and pull apart some construction starting Friday,” Dimanche said.

The parts to be dismantled include a segment adjacent to the National Buddhist Academy and a roof in front of the Hun Sen Park, a public square.

NagaCorp representatives were not immediately available for comment yesterday evening.