As drought threatens rice seedlings across the Kingdom, people from Phnom Srok district in Banteay Meanchey province say a new dam is further damaging local crops.

The Ministry of Water Resources and a private company called Eco Zone are building the dam to create an irrigation system to allow residents to cultivate rice during the dry season, but residents say the construction has disrupted water flow from Phnom Srok's Tompeang Thmar reservoir.

"The lower rice plantations aren't receiving sufficient water anymore," said Soy Lek, a commune council member in Phnom Srok district.

District governor Seng Ky acknowledged the farmers' difficulties but asked them to wait. "In the long run, the irrigation system will be very helpful," he said.