Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Pursat families ordered to vacate illegal homes in wildlife sanctuary

Pursat families ordered to vacate illegal homes in wildlife sanctuary

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Families were accused of clearing the forest in Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo supplied

Pursat families ordered to vacate illegal homes in wildlife sanctuary

Pursat provincial authorities gave 21 families seven days to take down 43 houses and cottages after officials said they were illegally occupying land in a protected natural area of the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary.

The families were told they face legal action if they refuse to comply.

Pursat provincial governor Mao Thornin issued a notice on September 3 stating offenders are encroaching on land in the protected natural area of Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary from bridge O-17 to hill 1500 in Anlong Reap commune in Veal Veng district.

The families were accused of clearing the forest and the notice said the forest and land are natural resources.

“When the deadline comes, the provincial administration will take action. We will not take responsibility for damage to the property. If residents resist or object violently, they will be punished,” the notice said.

Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary director Phan Sophearin said on Monday that he explained the notice to the families and urged them to cooperate.

He said they are migrants from different areas and provinces. They cleared the land since 2018 or last year. Some of them sold land, but their occupation was not recognised by local officials.

“When the deadline comes, they have to take down the houses and cottages,” he said.

A representative for the 21 families could not be reached for comment.

The Pursat provincial coordinator for the rights group Adhoc, Sam Chankea, said on Monday he had yet to receive news of the notice. But he said that he will investigate the matter.

“I don’t dare comment on this case yet because I have yet to go there and investigate the location. I don’t know the full story,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to