TWENTY-THREE families living along dilapidated railway lines in Tuol Kork district say they face imminent eviction from their homes but fear for their futures if forced to give up their land.

Three families of the 26 left in the community agreed last week to government compensation.

Villager Chab Bunleang, 49, said she has lived and run a business in the community for 20 years but is concerned that her business will suffer if she is forced to move. “I was hopeless when I heard [about the eviction],” she said.

The residents’ complaints come ahead of the release today of an 81-page report that the government’s US$38.4 million Land Management and Administration Programme has “failed” to protect the land tenure of Phnom Penh’s urban poor.

Phok Kimhong, 41, said the community was granted a social land concession by Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2003 but has never been granted ownership titles.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Mann Chhoeun said that authorities plan to take action if the people do not move but did not give a final deadline.

“We are still patient with thembut if those people remain obstinate, we will take administrative action,” he said.