Unofficial Translation

Selected Comments at the Closing of the Annual Conference of the Ministry of Land Management, Urbanization and Construction

25 March 08

Strengthen and Expedite Non-Systematic Approach for Conflicts

It indeed a good thing if we can get all conflict resolved through this approach of non-systematic solution. But I warn you of what could have been a serious issue behind this concept. What I mean is that some one in making dishonest benefits from the approach because s/he may want the conflict to go on so that both sides of conflict will go to her/him for upper hand solution, whereas the mediator kept the solution within his/her reaching for more interest by not resolving it right away. What I am concerned about is the fact that some conflict that should be resolved in one year has indeed been protracted longer. This is what I see as a weak point of the approach and this could in fact have downgraded our people's confidence.

Yesterday I went to Kompong Som right away because when I called by phone it was impossible to verify what has actually happened there. It was indeed a misappropriation and negligence in duty from the administration.

It has been effective though as in the case of conflict in Punnhealoue where the investor as a party negotiates with the people who are land owners with the help of the authority or it could have taken the form of four-party conflict resolution effort. However, what has happened in Kompong Som could not be resolved by this approach.

Take for instance in the case in Banteay Mean Chey, I have ordered the company to move out despite the fact that development project has been in place. As long as it is illegal or in contradiction to other legal instructions, investment will be canceled and land will be confiscated without any compensation. Like in the case of Long Cheen company (in Kandal province) the removal of the project was performed without consideration of any compensation. I ask the Minister for Land Management, Urbanization and Construction (MLMUC) to speed up the solution. I know that some people stay behind the conflict because they have their interests vested in there. If one wants to nurture those interests, one should stop working as Government official.

The mechanism to resolve land conflict has indeed been so slow and if I am not mistaken it has become a dual Government mechanism when we have put into use what is called the special operation team. They should get to work immediately and be frank in their conflict resolution approach. I would say that some of the officials have created so many issues and the finger should not be pointed at the opposition parties. I warn that an appropriate measure will be taken if these issues are not being addressed properly.

As I noted that some of the cities have improved their images in one way or the other, take for instance Phnom Penh or Kompot, we should pay attention to the creation of children playground so that children can have their time with their parents.

Land Distribution

I approve that HE Deputy Prime Minsiter Sok An has done a great deal on this front. Efforts have been made to take back the land that have been claimed illegally but what is more important is to stop further encroachment upon state owned land. I accept that the National Authority for Land Conflict Resolution has done a great job. I asked the Governor of Stoeng Treng province to act immediately on land conflict there and I do not let go the fact that the land illegally occupied has been re-taken but just to give back. Logging has been going on while bridge that has not been inaugurated has now become their way of transport across the river.

Prey Veng province seems to be quiet because I do not hear any conflict there because land ownership has been clearly defined since 1980s.

People to Benefit from Infrastructure

It is important though that people should benefit from the project of investment through their integration in such a way that people living along the area would benefit from the infrastructure of the development zone. It is indeed important to see to projects that will create jobs for our people which will stop massive migration from rural areas for jobs in the city./.

EdnItem.