Kampong Speu, Cambodia News: According to information from villagers in Lvea village, Svay Rumpear commune, Kampong Chhnang district, Kampong Chhnang province, sand dredging activities in the area are now taking place because experts and local authorities have not taken any preventive measures. They warn that rich and powerful people, abetted by commune authorities, have taken over areas of commune forest, because Chhouk Chandoeun, the Governor of Kampong Chhnang and the relevant departments in Kampong Chhnang did not take any action.

According to residents of Svay Rumpear commune, among those who work dredging in forest areas in the village of Lava village is Nang Yem, who is also a member of the Svay Rumpear commune council. People said that without collusion from the chief of Kompong Leu district office of Mines and Energy and Ouk Ros, director of Kampong Chhnang Department of Mines and Energy, Nang Yem would not be allowed to act illegally as he is doing at the present.

This is why the people of Lvea village are calling on Chhouk Chandoeun, the Governor of Kampong Chhnang, and the leaders of the relevant ministries to take immediate action.They protest that Nang Yem, a member of the Svay Rumpear council, is still active in dredging, and that local people in power are permiitted to illegally clearing the foret to plant cashew trees, because the commune authorities are involved in these crimes.