The plant will have a capacity of 6MW and cover 8.5 hectares
In early 2018, Tien Phong Hydropower Company announced to the local authorities the date of the groundbreaking ceremony. However, many people said that the investor should complete all legal procedures before starting anything. Out of 8.5 hectares of land, the provincial authorities have only agreed to convert the land use purpose of 3.75 hectares. The remaining 4.75 hectares have protective forest.
Moreover, according to Directive 13 of the Party Central Committee Secretariat about tightening management and protection over forested land, even the conversion purpose of 3.75 hectares of land must also be reviewed and has its impact on the environment reassessed. The 4.75-ha land is not allowed to be converted unless there are projects related to national defence or projects specifically approved by the prime minister.
In December 2018, Dinh Viet Hong, vice chairman of Nghe An Province also asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to submit the plan for prime ministerial review.
While awaiting the decision, Hoang Van Tam, director of Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade, still approved the Tien Phong Hydropower Plant Project as part of the provincial electricity development planning for the 2016-2025 period with a view to 2035. The 4.75-ha land may also be converted for other uses.
"The department only monitors and gives guidance on investments and planning. The investor is setting up the dossier to complete procedures. Our view is to be able to share difficulties with investors," he said.
