A Ministry of Water Resources plan to build two canals in Kampong Speu province has displaced 100 families from eight villages, and authorities have so far failed to compensate them for the move.
The villagers have petitioned the government for money following groundbreaking for the canals.
Relocation without pay has become an increasing problem in Cambodia's development, and many families find themselves far removed from services such as schools and markets, clean water and jobs, after they are moved from project sites.