Most Dey Krahorm evictees given new homes: City Hall

Written by Chhay Channyda

Tuesday, 03 February 2009 Phnom Penh Post

Evicted residents say they've given up hope of cash, while City Hall pledges to help residents yet to be compensated. Photo by: TRACEY SHELTON The deserted relocation site for Dey Krahorm residents in Damnak Trayoeng. THE majority of families evicted from Dey Krahorm in Phnom Penh have accepted relocation homes, according to City Hall, following the passing of the compensation deadline imposed by private developer 7NG. The company delivered an ultimatum Wednesday, saying residents had until Saturday to accept compensation. Phnom Penh deputy governor Mann Chhoeun said more than 70 families of those still holding out for compensation who were forcibly removed on January 23 are now residing in homes in Damnak Trayoeng village, the relocation site built by 7NG 16 kilometres outside the city. "The deadline set by the company is over, but I will help to reach a compromise between the remaining families and the company so they can get a house too," said Mann Chhoeun. City officials and 7NG allege fewer than 90 families remained in Dey Krahorm on the day of eviction, while residents and rights workers put the number closer to 150 families. "I am tired of trying to resist," said Ly Yuleng, a representative of the community. "I've stopped protesting for US$20,000. There's no way the company will give it to us, so a house is the only option now." Leng Kim Rady, 52, also said the deadline forced him to accept a home against his will. "We had no choice.... We would have ended up on the street," he said. Like other residents, he said the home he was assigned at the relocation site was in poor shape, with no toilet and a roof that was already leaking. It would require a few thousand dollars to renovate, he added. Srey Sothea, the chairman of 7NG, could not be reached for comment Monday.