Constructions in capital subject to rigorous srutiny

PHNOM Penh municipal officials are taking on construction in the capital to check work quality and weed out projects built without permission.

Municipal governor Khuong Sreng made construction a priority at a meeting on Wednesday.

Deputy district governors from all 14 districts in Phnom Penh and relevant departments attended the gathering at the Phnom Penh Municipal Hall.

Sreng advised officials under his supervision to check technical work of all types of constructions in Phnom Penh. He told The Post on Thursday that construction projects must follow technical standards and have proper permits.

The 14 district administrations have to issue notices to owners of buildings that are old and dilapidated to be cautious about possible dangers, Sreng said.

“We encourage officials under our supervision to enforce construction law to ensure the safety of citizens,” Sreng said.

Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC) president Sok Kin said he is pleased with Sreng’s efforts to check construction work. He said only a small number of construction projects in Cambodia follow the proper standards.

Kin said when local officials inspect a building and find construction flaws they can’t take legal action because the owners are backed by powerful people.

If the government follows existing laws and takes serious action on this issue, and each official performs his role properly, construction quality in Cambodia will improve, Kin said.

“In the past, officials at all levels performed their jobs only when problems occurred. Then nothing changed or got better.

“I am delighted the Phnom Penh municipal governor is tackling the issues now and will follow progress thoroughly with the public and private sectors,” he said.

Under the construction law individuals doing business in the construction industry – from planners to builders and even officials could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of negligence resulting in death.