The newly promoted governor of Kandal province met with officials and police Monday night in an attempt to find a way to undo large-scale residential construction on Kob Srov lake that the government has ordered removed.
The government ordered Long Chhin Resorts to begin on Monday the demolition of residential buildings and the removal of earth the company used to fill in portions of the lake, which serves as a natural drainage system for Phnom Penh’s floodwaters.
“It is too early to know how we will deal with this situation,” Kandal’s new governor, Chhun Sirun said, adding that he would assess the Kob Srov situation personally today.
A worker at Long Chhin Resorts, who asked to remain anonymous, said that staff was expecting a visit from government officials on Monday, but none arrived.
Tim Savuth, Ponhea Leu district police chief, said he had not received any orders regarding the company or the development on the lake.
Chhun Sirun was officially installed on Monday after the removal of his predecessor, Khim Bo, as well as two deputy governors, allegedly over their handling of the lake filling scandal.
He Kann, one of the deputy governors removed over the weekend, denied his sacking had anything to do with the lake issue.
“I was not involved in the filling in. Our officials stopped the work,” he said.
“I am being transferred to the Ministry of the Interior because I am old,” He Kann said. “It is normal for government civil servants to move on to a new job,” he added.
