Ta Mok’s Dam of Anlong Veng
By Ngov Chihor
Ta Mok, a brutal killer in most Cambodians’ minds, is considered a father, a community builder, and a good leader in the Anlong Veng District. Even in modern days, the residents of this district have been living remembering his legacy for more than 20 years now, and the Anlong Veng people still respect him and his efforts.
Ta Mok Lake, originally named O’Chik Lake, is located in Anlong Veng District. It was formed by a natural stream, but Ta Mok ordered Anlong Veng residents to build a dam in order to supply the rice fields water during dry season.
Ta Mok, one of the former Khmer Rouge senior leaders moved to Anlong Veng District near the Thai border after the Khmer Rouge regime collapsed. Anlong Veng was also known as the final stronghold of Khmer Rouge soldiers before its takeover in 1998.
O’Chik dam was constructed upon the orders of Ta Mokfor the purpose of storing water in dry season and supplying fish for the villagers, according to A History of the Anlong Veng Community by Dy Khamboly and Christopher Dearing.
The construction of the dam was divided into three phases. The process of building the dam began in 1991, and the other two steps were in 1992 and 1994. Ta Mok recruited residents of Anlong Veng to take part in the building process.
The construction of the dam was divided into three phases. The process of building the dam began in 1991, and the other two steps were in 1992 and 1994. Ta Mok recruited residents of Anlong Veng to take part in the building process.
Children of Anlong Veng residents play nearby the O’Chik bridge. In 1994, after the dam was completed, Ta Mok ordered another project, the O’Chik bridge. The construction spanned over two years. It was previously a wooden and bamboo bridge. Unfortunately, in August 2017, the bridge and dam was damaged by heavy flooding from O’Chik Lake, so the community reconstructed it by using concrete instead.
During rainy season these days, Anlong Veng residents usually fish in Ta Mok Lake as they earn their living thanks to their former community leader’s efforts.
People gather near the lake selling fish, vegetables, fruits, and other things which they take from the lake. In rainy season, of the area around Ta Mok dam becomes a market as many people meet up to exchange goods. But that same place becomes silent during dry season due to the fact that people find other jobs to do when the lake is dry.
People gather near the lake selling fish, vegetables, fruits, and other things which they take from the lake. In rainy season, of the area around Ta Mok dam becomes a market as many people meet up to exchange goods. But that same place becomes silent during dry season due to the fact that people find other jobs to do when the lake is dry.
People gather near the lake selling fish, vegetables, fruits, and other things which they take from the lake. In rainy season, of the area around Ta Mok dam becomes a market as many people meet up to exchange goods. But that same place becomes silent during dry season due to the fact that people find other jobs to do when the lake is dry.
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