A committee with Land Management Minister Chea Sophara at its helm was established on Tuesday to oversee preparations for the demolition and redevelopment of the land currently occupied by Phnom Penh’s White Building.

A letter issued by Sophara’s ministry announcing the committee’s creation also named Phnom Penh City Governor Pa Socheatvong as a member. Sophara said on Tuesday that he had appointed himself chairman to ensure no aspect of the redevelopment project was beyond his vision or control.

He also sought to reassure residents that they would be re-housed in the new building. Many have previously expressed fears that the project would either never reach completion or that they would not be allowed to return when it was finished.

Resident representative Dy Sophanarmany said many families will be spending the upcoming Water Festival in discussions on whether to accept the proposed development.

“Now we are clear that our building will be developed if the residents agree,” Sophanarmany said. “It’s not just rumours anymore.”