Siem Reap town

Nearly 400 families were told yesterday they had to move from their homes along the Siem Reap river within the week.

{jathumbnail}

Siem Reap district governor Tep Bun Chhay said 392 families had to relocate from Sala Kamroeuk commune before this Sunday.

According to officials, the move is part of a provincial plan to widen the river to protect the town from the effects of flooding and to develop the riverside.

Affected residents protested against the short period of notice.

Sem Sok Khun said his family had agreed to the relocation, however the timeframe given posed difficulties.

“My family was satisfied with the compensation and land that we got, however the deadline of relocation period is so near. But I will try my best to move on time.”

Twenty-seven stores reportedly destroyed by a fire caused by an electrical fault in November are also to be relocated by the deadline.

Authorities said they would provide compensation, 7x15-metre plots of land, a hospital, school, well and electricity in the relocation area.

Nineteen families from Sala Kamroeuk commune were the first group to be moved from along the river in February.

More than 1,000 families will be affected in all.

To contact the reporter on this story: Thik Kaliyann at [email protected]