Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Growing Pursat gains fifteen new villages

Growing Pursat gains fifteen new villages

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The Ministry of Interior has announced the establishment of 15 new villages in Pursat province. SUPPLIED

Growing Pursat gains fifteen new villages

The Ministry of Interior has announced the establishment of 15 new villages in Pursat province. The new villages have been separated from existing ones in order to bring public services closer to the people and in a timely manner, as well as to address challenges in the local authorities’ management of the areas.

The establishment of the new villages was announced in a December 29 prakas, which was shared with the media this week.

According to the prakas, the villages were carved out from communes in Pursat town and the districts of Kandieng, Bakan, Krakor, and Kravnah.

Meas Ny, a social development researcher, said on January 4 that the creation of a new village in an overcrowded, non-contiguous village with a population of 500 to 800 households, is an effective way to improve access to public services. But if it was established with an external political goal, he said it would be another matter.

“It is recommended, but only if the village is large and geographically separated from its neighbours. If a village is already small and broken down into even smaller boundaries, then it could be interpreted as an attempt to alter political influence,” he said.

Provincial governor Khoy Rida told The Post on January 4 that the establishment of the new villages was not an act of whimsy.

“They have been formed because there were challenges in providing public services or in administering local affairs. When they are too spread out, it is difficult to manage the relationship between the people and the local authorities and to maintain security and public order,” he said.

“Based on what I have seen – through my own investigation of public service provision at the grassroots level – when a village is far away from the local administration, their lives are more difficult. It is challenging to communicate and manage security and emergency responses. When we have a comprehensive grassroots network, this is much simpler,” he added.

For reference, below is a list of the 15 new villages – sorted by commune and district-level administration – each written followed by the respective names in parentheses of the village(s) they were split from.

Pursat town {7 villages}: Phteah Prey commune – Phteah Prey (Peal Nhek 1), Sampov Meas (Peal Nhek 2), Chamkar Chek (Chamkar Chek Khang Choeung); Roleab commune – Thma Bei Dom (O’Thkov), O’Trav (Roleab), Chheuteal Roung (Prey Omal); Chamroeun Phal commune – Bor Vong (Tuol Kruos).

Phnom Kravanh district {3 villages}: Samrong commune – Ro Ko (Angkrong); Prangil commune – Ou (Prangil), Prey Andong (O’Baktra).

Krakor district {2 villages}: Kbal Trach commune – Srakum (Kralanh); Chhoeu Tom commune – Kraing Khoeun (Phteah Chek and Chhoeu Teb).

Kandieng district {2 villages}: Kanhchor commune – Tamao (Prek Trabek), Pralay Thom (Tuol Totoeng).

Bakan district {1 village}: Svay Donkeo commune – Preal (Nikom Leu).

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans