The Pursat Provincial Hall has warned of administrative action – without exception – against those who have illegally encroached on or occupied land in the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary.
The warning came after the provincial administration’s joint forces investigated about 100 families who had illegally built huts and encroached on forest land in the protected area.
In a May 13 notification letter seen by The Post on May 16, acting governor Cheng Lay reminded people that it is illegal to clear or encroach on forest land, plant crops or build homes in Chamkar Chrey Khang Tbong village of Veal Veng district’s Anlong Reap commune.
Lay said the administration had given people the opportunity to remove their and leave the sanctuary area within seven days from the date of notification. They must immediately cease and desist from all logging and encroachment activities on the protected land.
He warned that once the ultimatum passed, the law would be enforced without exception and the administration would not be responsible for any damage to the property of those who had not complied.
“After the given duration is over, the provincial administration will take action and dismantle the huts without any responsibility for property damage. Those who remain stubborn or oppose us will be punished according to the law in force,” he stated.
He insisted that the current residents could dismantle their huts and leave the site peacefully. If any member of the community did not have enough land of their own to farm, they should apply for land to use through the authorities from the village to provincial levels.
The authorities could issue social land to families who needed it, provided certain criteria were met, he added.
