Dey Kraham residents (Photo: DR, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)13 Jan 2009
By Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French
A dispute opposing the 7NG company and Dey Kraham residents has been brewing in the past several years. The dispute involves a land plot located in the center of Phnom Penh. A new compensation offer should convince the last residents to leave the area.
The dispute, which lasted several years already, could be on the verge to a conclusion. In the past, close to 90% of the families have accepted to leave the area in exchange for a house in the suburb of Phnom Penh or for a cash buyout. However, less than 100 families have refused to relinquish their homes because they believe that the offer was too low.
On Monday 12 January, the 7NG company proposed another offer through the city hall: $20,000 to be paid to the last residents instead of the original $15,000 offer up to now. “This offer is valid only for today. If the residents refuse, we will return back to the $15,000 offer starting 14 January,” Man Chhoeun, Phnom Penh deputy governor, indicated on Tuesday 13 January during a press conference organized by the Cambodian Club of Journalist.
When reached over the phone at about 3 PM, the representatives of the residents said that the residents have not yet decided if they will accept the offer or not. Their discussions could last until later this evening.
The residents do not want to leave Dey Kraham because the area is close the city center and this allow them to earn a living fairly easily. The 7NG company plans to develop the site and turn it into a commercial complex. In general, in Phnom Penh, one can easily notice the eviction of poor people towards the city suburb.
The dispute, which lasted several years already, could be on the verge to a conclusion. In the past, close to 90% of the families have accepted to leave the area in exchange for a house in the suburb of Phnom Penh or for a cash buyout. However, less than 100 families have refused to relinquish their homes because they believe that the offer was too low.
On Monday 12 January, the 7NG company proposed another offer through the city hall: $20,000 to be paid to the last residents instead of the original $15,000 offer up to now. “This offer is valid only for today. If the residents refuse, we will return back to the $15,000 offer starting 14 January,” Man Chhoeun, Phnom Penh deputy governor, indicated on Tuesday 13 January during a press conference organized by the Cambodian Club of Journalist.
When reached over the phone at about 3 PM, the representatives of the residents said that the residents have not yet decided if they will accept the offer or not. Their discussions could last until later this evening.
The residents do not want to leave Dey Kraham because the area is close the city center and this allow them to earn a living fairly easily. The 7NG company plans to develop the site and turn it into a commercial complex. In general, in Phnom Penh, one can easily notice the eviction of poor people towards the city suburb.
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