Several H’re ethnic people in Quang Ngai Province’s Lien Son Commune have become billionaires after receiving compensations by Dakdrinh hydropower investor.
Dinh Van Trai and his new car
They have used the money to buy luxury things like smart phones, cars and to throw extravagant parties as well as build new houses.
Dinh Van Trai, a local man, has received compensation worth over VND5 billion (USD237,687), the largest amount among all the villagers.
Right after getting the money, he decided to buy a seven-seat car worth around VND1 billion (USD47,537) for travelling.
“I’m willing to grant young women an iPhone if they make me happy,” Trai said.
Several other families have opted to build new houses which cost from hundreds of millions VND to billions of VND, while many local men have engaged in drunken merrymaking.
Dinh Van Son receiving VND1.4 billion (USD65,552) compensation
“Since villagers received compensation, they consume a lot of beer and alcohol. Consumption could reach hundreds of beer kegs. Some families sing karaoke all night long after parties,” said Tran Thi Hanh, a local woman who owns a grocery.
Several young men have opted to buy luxury phones or sometimes go to Quang Ngai City for pleasures.
Tran Dong Phong, Chairman of Son Lien communal People’s Committee said, “We’ve tried to intensify propaganda to call on people to save money for production. Seven hectares of production land in our commune have been used for the dam construction. Food shortages may occur if people don’t spend their money on increasing production.”
Newly built houses
Dinh Van So, a 73-year-old man in Lien Son, said, “After getting compensation of VND 2.6 billion (USD123,597), we’ve spent VND550 million (USD26,145) on house construction. We gave each of six children some money for doing business. I’m afraid that we may face a food shortage in the resettlement area due to limited land cultivation.”
Dinh Ka De, Secretary of Son Tay District’s Party Committee estimated the district’s land that's suitable for production has been significantly reduced as 570 hectares have been used for the dam construction.
“Many families could face food shortages so we’re seeking approval from the provincial government to grant local residents 30 kilos of rice each,” he added.