Kampot provincial authorities have completed 85 per cent of soil excavation from a creek in Kbal Romeas that was illegally filled in.
Meantime, the police are continuing to probe the illegal deforestation of mangrove trees in Teuk Chhou district and warned that the law will be strictly enforced against the perpetrators of the crimes.
Last week, provincial authorities ordered technical officials to use equipment to excavate the soil which was illegally used to fill the creek near National Road 33 in Trapaing Thom village, Chum Kriel commune, Teuk Chhou District, in Kampot province.
District police deputy chief Sou Bunthoeun said that after receiving the order from his superiors, the authorities used machinery and several trucks to excavate the soil from the creak in Kbal Romeas. As of now, there remains 15 per cent of the soil to be excavated.
“We have been clearing the creek for three days. We will return it to its usual state. Once we complete the soil excavation, both sides of the creek and the roads will return to normal,” said Bunthoeun.
Provincial Department of Environment director Suy Thea said on Monday that the illegal filling had happened after someone got confused that the land there belonged to him or her. Thea did not mention the person who illegally filled the creek at Kbal Romeas.
In the meantime, hectares of mangrove trees were being illegally cut down in Prek Tnort commune, Teuk Chhou district. A specialised team continues to probe the case, said Thea.
“If the specialised team finds the culprits who illegally cut down the mangrove trees, we will strictly enforce the law. More importantly, we will carry out law enforcement based on the fisheries law because fishery officials are in charge of this case,” Thea warned.
Last month, the local community and Kampot provincial civil society told The Post that five to 10 people of unknown identities had illegally cut down hectares of mangrove trees along the shore.
They also illegally placed markings along the border without informing the authorities. It always happened at night when it was quiet enough to illegally cut down the trees.
However, Kampot provincial governor Cheav Tay told The Post on Monday that the authorities were working to ensure that such illegal activities are halted.
“We have asked the specialised team to submit a report on this so that we can discuss the matter in a meeting with the governor,” said Tay.
