PHNOM PENH: The Banteay Meanchey provincial administration has dismissed as “untrue” allegations circulating on social media that authorities and construction contractors are charging US$100 per family to expedite the building of temporary shelters for displaced residents.
They highlighted that the lottery process to allocate temporary houses and land plots is ongoing in accordance with official procedures.
In a press release, the provincial administration said a number of families living along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey — particularly in Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages in O’Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, as well as Samaki, Trapaing Samraong, Phlov Bom Bek and Banteay Meanchey Rith villages in Kok Romiet commune, Thma Puok district — are still unable to return to their homes due to encroachment and blockades by Thai troops.
It explained that in response, Prime Minister Hun Manet has initiated a project to allocate land and construct temporary housing for displaced families.
The site, covering around 400 hectares in Slakram village and commune, in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province, is being developed with the necessary infrastructure.
“Construction of houses is underway and that some families have already begun relocating to the site,” said the statement.
“Allocation is being conducted through a lottery system for land plot numbers to ensure fairness and transparency,” it added.
Officials acknowledged that some newly registered families have yet to receive allocations, leading to concerns among affected residents.
The provincial administration stressed that all allocations are being handled according to registration lists and established procedures, with no discrimination or financial charges involved.
Khlok Nuoy, deputy governor of Banteay Meanchey, said the allegations of fee collection circulating online were “false”, adding that authorities are carrying out the process in line with proper principles.
Provincial governor Um Reatrey also confirmed that no payments are required to receive housing, regardless of timing, and that the lottery system follows the order of registration.
“There is no money being collected and no impact at all. The houses are being built, and registered families will receive them in sequence through the lottery system — some earlier, some later,” he told The Post.
“We issued the press release to reassure people that they will receive housing. We have enough land,” he added.
Authorities urged the public and media to rely only on verified official information and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims that could cause unnecessary concern. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
