361 Construction Inspectors Given Policing Powers

• 25 March 2021
• Local News
• 2727 Views

The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and the Ministry of Justice have issued an inter-ministerial decision giving limited judicial police powers to 361 building inspectors for more effective construction law implementation.

According to the decision dated 18 February 2021, all 361 officials must perform their duties under the Construction Law, Criminal Code. and other provisions currently in force.

With judicial police powers, those assigned officers will have more rights than before. In addition to the right to inspect and suspend any illegal activities in the construction sector, they can also take immediate actions, give fines, seize evidence/s, build a case, and send them to the prosecutor for further legal action.

Moreover, these officials also have the right to temporarily revoke the relevant documents, permits, and/or licenses in case the construction owners/operators commit any crime within the construction law jurisdiction.

The 361 officers are from different departments at both the national and sub-national level. Before performing their functions, those officials must also first take an oath at the court in the provinces to which they are assigned.

Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA) Secretariat General Manager Chhiv Sivpheng expressed his strong optimism toward this special team.

“As the private sector, we see significant progress in the construction sector in Cambodia. However, we also witnessed some problems, for instance, the recent building collapses in several provinces. Therefore, we hope that this newly-authorized working group will help strengthen the quality and safety of construction projects to another level,” said Mr Sivpheng.

He added that the association will also continue to work closely with the government in promoting the implementation of the construction law.

• Laws and Regulation