Seven Boeung Kak land activists were sent to Phnom Penh’s municipal police station yesterday after trying to block the road to City Hall while demanding authorities fix their sewage system to prevent extensive flooding.

“Our houses get flooded every time it rains and … we worry about electric shock,” said activist Tep Vanny, one of those arrested.

Housing Rights Task Force spokesperson Long Kimheang said the flooding began in 2010 after developer Shukaku filled in Boeung Kak lake.

The seven were taken in after about 50 people sat on the road upon seeing that no officials were coming to meet them.

“Every time any group blocks the road to City Hall illegally, our authorities have to send them to police for legal action,” said municipal spokesman Long Dimanche.

At 6:30pm yesterday, fellow detainee Nget Khun said the seven were likely to be at the station overnight. Protesters plan to demonstrate on Wednesday.