Kampong Cham Province – On December 21, 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over a ceremony marking the completion of systematic land surveying and the distribution of land titles to residents of Kampong Cham Province. This milestone establishes Kampong Cham as the first among Cambodia’s 25 provinces to achieve this significant accomplishment in land registration.

During the event, Governor Un Chanda emphasized Kampong Cham’s diverse geography, spanning 4,548.09 square kilometers and home to approximately 1.1 million people. He noted the province’s transformation in various sectors, including security, economic development, and public welfare, under the guidance of the Royal Government of Cambodia. He attributed the improved living standards of residents to the successful implementation of systematic land registration.

Landmark Achievement in Land Registration

Kampong Cham began its land registration process in 2003. Over the past two decades, the province assessed and measured 917,795 land parcels, achieving a 99% completion rate. Ownership information for 920,177 parcels has been published, and 895,498 land ownership certificates have been issued, underscoring the efficiency and dedication of provincial authorities.

Prime Minister Hun Manet described the accomplishment as a testament to the peace and stability achieved by Cambodia. He highlighted infrastructure developments in Stung Trang district, including bridges and roads that enhance regional connectivity, and urged continued efforts to maintain the country’s developmental trajectory.

Addressing Opposition Criticism

The Prime Minister also addressed allegations by opposition groups accusing the government of land misappropriation, contrasting these claims with the successful issuance of land titles to Cambodian citizens. He emphasized that the completion of land registration represents a triumph of national reconciliation and peace, marking the end of decades-long disputes over land ownership.

Reflecting on Cambodia’s history, Hun Manet recalled that land reforms were introduced in 1989 following the Khmer Rouge era, a period during which land ownership was not properly distributed. He reiterated that the peace agreement not only ended hostilities but also laid the groundwork for economic progress.

Progress and Future Goals

The recent land registration initiative has been instrumental in clarifying land management, reducing disputes, and simplifying development planning. During the 16 months of the 7th term, over 3 million land parcels have been measured and registered nationwide, with 87,000 ownership certificates issued. Approximately 1.3 million parcels remain unregistered, with plans to complete the process by 2025.

Hun Manet highlighted the Royal Government’s ongoing efforts to integrate data systems across state institutions to improve information accessibility and facilitate better governance. He called on citizens to unite in addressing land disputes, resist illegal land acquisitions, and trust in the Cambodian People’s Party to lead the country’s development efforts.

National and Regional Cooperation

The Prime Minister reassured citizens that the government would not engage in territorial disputes driven by extremist elements and urged the public to refrain from supporting movements that threaten national integrity. He encouraged the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction to expedite the completion of land registration and called for provincial administrations to actively support this initiative.

The successful completion of systematic land registration in Kampong Cham sets a precedent for other provinces, further solidifying the Royal Government’s commitment to ensuring land security and fostering economic development across Cambodia.

Looking ahead, he underscored the Royal Government’s commitment to linking data systems across state institutions to improve information accessibility. He called on citizens to unite in addressing land disputes and to resist illegal land acquisition by state entities. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the government's capability to lead for the benefit of the people, urging continued trust in the Cambodian People's Party.

Furthermore, he clarified that the government will not engage in territorial disputes with neighboring countries driven by extremist elements. Hun Manet appealed to citizens to refrain from supporting movements that threaten national integrity and encouraged the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction to ensure the completion of land registration by 2025. He also requested provincial administrations to be actively involved and for government officials to engage directly with communities to distribute property certificates.