Gov’t Grants 172-hectares of Reclassified Forest Land to Real Estate Firm

• 20 September 2021
• Local News
• 2522 Views

The Cambodian government has reclassified 172 hectares of state-owned public land in Siem Reap’s Banteay Srei district to grant to a well-known local real estate developer.

The decision to grant the land was made by a sub-decree signed by Samdech Hun Sen on July 23, 2021.

Through the sub-decree, the government decided to grant the newly-reclassified 172 hectares of land in Romchek village, Romchek commune and Khnar village, Khnar Sanday commune, Banteay Srei district to Oknha Leng Navatra.

In a note posted on Facebook, Khim Finang, Governor of Banteay Srei District, stated that in general the government periodically transfers state land ownership to the private sector. However, it is done only for public state land that is no longer forested and has been occupied by that specific owner for a long time.

“Giving legal ownership of land that people have long occupied has been very important for local development, such as in Banteay Srei district because it will ensure the security of land tenure, provide clarity and a legal foundation to allow people to use their land as a valuable asset to their full potential and pave the way for private sector investment for the benefit of the national economy,” Mr Khim Finang said.

He added that the land, which is subject to be cut, must have been occupied for a long time, have clear documents, have no forest, and must not be in dispute, he said.

State land that has recently been encroached upon or illegally encroached upon cannot be applied for ownership.

• Laws and Regulation
• land development and policy