THE government has allocated over 600 hectares of land in Phnom Aural wildlife sanctuary in Kampong Chhnang province to a private company for development.

In the agreement, Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 26 last year decided to allocate the land in Phnom Aural wild life sanctuary, in Kdol Senchey village, Chieb commune, Toek Phos district, Kampong Chhnang.

The agreement stated 649 hectares of land were granted to a private company “One Fraternity Co Ltd.”

Mr Hun Sen instructed the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Finance and the provincial authority to ensure that the project has no negative impact on the environment and is a sustainable development.

Kampong Chhnang provincial governor Srun Sovannarith said yesterday that the land was allocated to One Fraternity to invest in the hospitality sector and they will establish a “Cultural Village.”

“The company and the authorities took into consideration the environmental impact before the project commenced this month,” said Sovannarith.

The government provided the land in the Aural wild life sanctuary because of the potential for a tourism development and the benefit it will bring the local community in terms of work opportunities, Sovannarith added.

“We hope this resort project will make Kampong Chhnang province a major tourist destination and provide sustainable employment for the local people,” said Sovannarith.

“We are not sure of the details of the project. However, the provincial administration will build new infrastructure to support the project and make it convenient for tourists,” he added.

The province is renowned for farming; however, with several hospitality projects under construction in the province it will become a tourism location as well, Sovannarith said.

“Local people are expecting to get more income for their family through this project by a private company,” he added.