Chong villagers put festive spin on dam protest

18 April 2014
The Cambodia Daily
Environment and natural resources / Ethnic minorities and indigenous people / Hydropower dams / National parks and wildlife sanctuaries / Protected areas / Renewable energy production
Areng Valley / Chhay Areng dam / Chong minority group / Independent Monk Network for Social Justice

Villagers from an ethnic minority community in Koh Kong province’s Areng Valley continued their blockade over the Khmer New Year holiday of an access road leading to the site of a proposed dam they say would destroy their way of life. Members of the ethnic Chong community did not let their protest dampen the new year festivities, however, dancing and playing traditional games as they kept watch for workers from Chinese Sinohydro (Cambodia) United Ltd., which plans to start building the 108-megawatt Stung Chhay Areng dam in the coming months. Heng Menghong, 21, a monk from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice, said 30 Chong people blocked the road in Russei Chrum commune’s Thmar Baing village on Tuesday evening. …

 Khuon Narim
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/chong-villagers-put-festive-spin-on-dam-protest-56708/