PM Hun Sen: No Relocation of Preah Dak Villagers Yet; Authorities Carefully Studying

• 7 October 2022
• Local News
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Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen confirmed that there have been no house demolitions or any order to relocate people in Preah Dak commune, asking residents to calm down as the government will study closely before implementing any projects.

PM Hun Sen gave the statement on 6 October, in response to the gathering of Preah Dak villagers to the news that the government will dismantle the entire Preah Dak community and use the land to restore the eastern Baray.

“I would like to send this message to Preah Dak villagers. We have not touched or affected people in Preah Dak village yet, please stay calm,” said PM Hun Sen.

The restoration of the eastern Baray is still under study as Preah Dak commune used to be the location of the eastern Baray reserving up to 30 million cubic metres of water.

“This water played a role in supporting the construction of temples in the Angkor area, so we want to restore it. However, we are studying carefully how much water should be put in to be just enough to support Angkor. We will not put 30 million cubic metres and evict everyone,” said PM Hun Sen.

“We plan to put water only at the bottom of the Baray. We are very considerate regarding the impact on the people as well as the Angkor structural protection,” he added.

PM Hun Sen also explained that the Preah Dak commune was built 300 to 400 years ago, while this commune is also under the government’s local administration, so it cannot be demolished as rumour said. UNESCO also understands this matter.

Samdech Hun Sen also ordered Land Minister HE Chea Sophara and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts HE Pheung Sakona to talk and explain to the citizens.

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