Experts in the construction and real estate industry rejoiced after the publication of the letter from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) last week, which was sent to all departments involved in construction and cadastral surveys.

It instructed the departments to “inspect and put up posts to mark down the location of the construction at the construction sites”.

Although this letter seems to be published after problems or conflicts had arisen, Kim Heang, president of CVEA, expressed delight: “I fully support this letter that aims to encourage all parties involved to come together to inspect each construction project carefully.”

Heang continued, “Conflicts on land borders and the spaces between construction posts happen quite often from what I know, but the victims tend to be patient even though they’re the ones at loss. Such cases are unfair for neighbours.”

He raised an example of a big land conflict on the space between the land border and the construction in Chamkarmon district, of which the ministry was informed that a rift had recently occurred.

“For such mistakes, were they made unintentionally, intentionally, or caused by the lack of inspection from the expert officers? Because according to the law on the [bigger] construction plans, it says to leave six metres of space in front, three metres behind, and three metres on either side.”

Heang said, “Releasing the letter was a good thing, but it also requires all parties involved, such as the experts from the ministry, the construction company’s representatives, the neighbours or surrounding land owners to meet and clearly inspect the foundation process to prevent the building from moving as opposed to the building permit.”

Siv Pheng, assistant of the president of Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA) Pong Khiev Sae, said the association has seen the letter and understood some of the key points in the letter, which “made us optimistic that the letter will become a mechanism in stopping some land conflicts in the future that are caused by the construction owners” as well as the companies involved or individual owners.

“I believe that this letter from the ministry is very important in the current and future construction industry. It should be implemented by all the parties involved in the construction sector, including big and small companies and individuals,” Pheng said.

He added, “For over 110 members of the CCA, including many big and small companies, they will automatically abide by the guidelines from the ministry because in our terms and conditions, it states that all members have to follow the guidelines, law, and instruction from the Cambodian government.”

Although such guidelines had never been released before, “our members still have yet to make any mistakes. After the publication of this letter, I think that it will better direct the construction sector in Cambodia for the future of our city. All big and small companies, and individuals have to equally and fairly follow through.”

Chrek Soknim, Century 21 CEO, was also buoyed by the release of the letter. He said, “This ministerial letter might be able to strengthen the quality and activities in the construction sector in Cambodia, making it more efficient in each location.”

The letter that was released on July 26, 2016, and signed by Chan Saphan, secretary of state in place of the minister of the MLMUPC, requires, among other things, for officers to inspect the posts marking down the construction details at every construction site that has begun.