Environment minister to visit UDG project in Koh Kong province

26 February 2014
The Cambodia Daily
Concessions / Government / Human rights / Land / Law and judiciary / Ministries and other national bodies / Ministry of Environment / Public land lease / Social development
Ministry of Environment / Orn Phearak / Say Sam Al / Union Development Group

Environment Minister Say Sam Al is scheduled to visit Koh Kong province today, while a representative of Chinese-owned company Union Development Group said the minister is expected to pay a visit to their 45,000hectare land concession, which has been the cause of a long-running land dispute with villagers. The minister’s visit to the area comes after the homes of about 45 families affected by UDG’s purported $3.8 billion tourist resort, which is planned for the concession, were burned down in January by armed security forces. … The minister’s trip comes two days after opposition CNRP lawmaker-elect Son Chhay met with villagers who have been embroiled in the dispute with UDG since the concession was granted in 2008. Mr. Chhay said after the visit that the Chinese firm had started planting cassava on land intended for the development of the mega-resort, which was earmarked for a golf course, hotels and a private airport. …

 Hul Reaksmey
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/environment-minister-to-visit-udg-project-in-koh-kong-province-53249/