"Governors ordered to review construction projects for permits", 24 July 2019

The Land Management Ministry ... called on all governors across the Kingdom to review ongoing construction projects to ensure companies and building owners have the proper permits.

The call follows last month’s Sihanoukville building collapse that killed 28 people and injured 26 others. Provincial officials said the owner of the building lacked proper permits.

According to a statement ..., Land Management Minister Chea Sophara said municipal and provincial governors must take legal action against companies which are constructing buildings without a permit or prior ministry approval.

... “The move aims to ensure that buildings are built in line with legal norms and construction standards,” he said. “It is also to guarantee quality and safety.”

“It will also help to ensure sufficiency of the construction and the buildings,” he added.

Ministry spokesman Seng Lot ... said the authorities must stop projects lacking permits immediately...

Kheang Phearum, spokesman for the Provincial Hall, ... said authorities in Preah Sihanouk have identified a number of construction firms carrying out projects without a license...

Sok Kin, president of the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union of Cambodia, yesterday said the government should be applauded for the order.

“It’s good to have firm action against those who violate the law. It is good to ensure safety in construction sites in the Kingdom,” he said. “I hope the authorities will continue to monitor the problem in the future, not just for a short period of time.”