© Nihm SophalCambodge Soir
20-08-2008
The first official meeting between Boeung kak residents and municipal authorities took place on Monday August 18, to deal with the eviction conditions of the local dwellers. The lake and it surroundings will disappear and be replaced by a planning project which includes a commercial centre, a university, an entertainment centre and luxurious residences…
The long awaited, if tense, negotiations have finally started, as the elections are now over. Kep Chuk Tema, the mayor, received 450 residents of Boeung Kak. The area comprises of 133 hectares, of which 104 hectares are occupied by the lake. An investment contract was signed in February 2007 between Kep Chuk Tema and Lao Meng Khin, Sukaku Company director and CPP senator. The lease runs over 99 years and amounts to US$ 79 million. Shortly after the project was made public, around 4 000 local residents reacted, expressing their fear of eviction. The residents do not understand the agreement terms between the village authorities and the company.
The local authorities have put forward three solutions: the locals can either stay, move to Damnak Trayeung village, located 15 km away in a Phnom Penh suburb-where concrete dwellings are already being built- or receive a US$ 8,000 indemnity payment. During the meeting with the governor, most of the dwellers-who have always lived by the lake-chose to relocate. However, before the meeting several of them stated that they wanted compensation from the company. Finally the majority changed their mind and are now making claims for new dwellings and US$ 5,000 payments.
In the main meeting room, the Phnom Penh governor answered all questions. He promised to submit the last proposal to the company in order to find a proper solution. “I expect this investment to proceed smoothly and that a compromise can be reached between the company and the residents” said Kep Chuk tema. He also stated that the residents will immediately receive a 50% down payment and will be able to cash in the other half once they have moved. The dwellers expressed their concerns regarding the move to a location lacking infrastructure. They then asked about road, drainage, hospital and school infrastructures... The locals, who have been living on the lake since the 1980s, grow morning glory and fish over nine hectares; activities carried out in full agreement with the local authorities. Yet, Kep Chuk Tema confirmed that everyone will be evicted, as “the lake is state property” he added.
As for those living around the lake, their fate will be decided once the case of the lake dwellers is resolved.
20-08-2008
The first official meeting between Boeung kak residents and municipal authorities took place on Monday August 18, to deal with the eviction conditions of the local dwellers. The lake and it surroundings will disappear and be replaced by a planning project which includes a commercial centre, a university, an entertainment centre and luxurious residences…
The long awaited, if tense, negotiations have finally started, as the elections are now over. Kep Chuk Tema, the mayor, received 450 residents of Boeung Kak. The area comprises of 133 hectares, of which 104 hectares are occupied by the lake. An investment contract was signed in February 2007 between Kep Chuk Tema and Lao Meng Khin, Sukaku Company director and CPP senator. The lease runs over 99 years and amounts to US$ 79 million. Shortly after the project was made public, around 4 000 local residents reacted, expressing their fear of eviction. The residents do not understand the agreement terms between the village authorities and the company.
The local authorities have put forward three solutions: the locals can either stay, move to Damnak Trayeung village, located 15 km away in a Phnom Penh suburb-where concrete dwellings are already being built- or receive a US$ 8,000 indemnity payment. During the meeting with the governor, most of the dwellers-who have always lived by the lake-chose to relocate. However, before the meeting several of them stated that they wanted compensation from the company. Finally the majority changed their mind and are now making claims for new dwellings and US$ 5,000 payments.
In the main meeting room, the Phnom Penh governor answered all questions. He promised to submit the last proposal to the company in order to find a proper solution. “I expect this investment to proceed smoothly and that a compromise can be reached between the company and the residents” said Kep Chuk tema. He also stated that the residents will immediately receive a 50% down payment and will be able to cash in the other half once they have moved. The dwellers expressed their concerns regarding the move to a location lacking infrastructure. They then asked about road, drainage, hospital and school infrastructures... The locals, who have been living on the lake since the 1980s, grow morning glory and fish over nine hectares; activities carried out in full agreement with the local authorities. Yet, Kep Chuk Tema confirmed that everyone will be evicted, as “the lake is state property” he added.
As for those living around the lake, their fate will be decided once the case of the lake dwellers is resolved.
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