Logging operations uncovered at Cambodian senator’s dam in the Cardamoms
“They are clearing the forest for the reservoir,” said Phan, a resident of O’Soam commune in Cambodia’s western province of Pursat. “These days, every few days, there is only one timber truck because it is the raining season, but during the dry season, there are three or four timber trucks [per day].” Phan, who spoke […]
Logging operations have been uncovered at a Cambodian senator's dam in the Cardamoms, according to a resident of O’Soam commune in Pursat province. Phan, who requested that his full name and village not be published due to fear of retribution from the developers of the 70-megawatt Stung Russei Chrum Kandal hydropower dam, said that timber trucks are now making fewer trips to the site during the rainy season, but three or four trucks still pass by daily during the dry season.
Construction of the dam, which spans the Russei Chrum River in neighboring Koh Kong province and is located inside Phnom Kravanh National Park, began in 2023. However, recent satellite imagery has revealed large-scale logging taking place beyond the authorized construction sites. Access to the site has been restricted, with checkpoints closely guarded by armed men in RCAF uniforms.
Phan noted that people used to enter the area for fishing and laying fishing equipment, but are now prevented from doing so. The company claims that the checkpoints and troops are there to protect the forests, but Phan maintains that the guards are actually security for the logging company.
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