Architect: Kob Srov dike is vital for the city of Phnom Penh

Thursday, July 19 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Vann Molyvann, the renowned architect for the many important buildings he designed in Phnom Penh in the 60s, said that the Kob Srov dike is vital and the filling of the lake could lead to danger for the city of Phnom Penh. Vann Molyvann said in an interview with The Cambodia Daily that he is very concerned when he heard about construction on the Kob Srov Lake. He said that if any part of the lake is filled, the entire city of Phnom Penh will face flooding. He said that the Kob Srov dike, the Tonle Bassac and the Stung Meanchey dikes are vital for the city of Phnom Penh. He added that these dikes must be strengthened because the water level in the Mekong River is higher than the ground level of the city of Phnom Penh during rainy season. On Tuesday, Lim Kean Hor, the minister of water resources and meteorology, ordered the Long Chhin Resorts Company to end all backfilling of the lake where the company plans to build a large housing development.

Order issued to stop filling of Boeng Kob Srov lake

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Lim Kean Hor, the minister of water resources and meteorology, issued an order to a housing development company which is currently filling Boeng Kob Srov lake to immediately stop its activities. Lim Kean Hor told The Cambodia Daily over the phone on Tuesday, that he ordered Khim Bo, the Kandal provincial governor, to halt the filling of Boeng Kob Srov because this company does not have a proper authorization. Duong Sam Ang, the person in charge of the Long Chhin Resorts said on Monday that his company bought lands in the lake from villagers in 1994, and it received the personal authorization from Hun Sen to fill the lake. However, Lim Kean Hor said that the Long Chhin Resorts does not have an authorization, the company only has an agreement in principle with Hun Sen and it started filling the lake directly. Lim Kean Hor ordered the company to dredge out the soil filling in the lake, and it must restore the lake to its previous condition and return the lake back to the state.