An illegal hotel complex under construction in central Ha Tinh Province is threatening the integrity of a nearby dam, but local authorities are dodging responsibility.
Illegal hotel, office complex
Builders have been told to stop work on the complex near Hamlet 11 of Ky Thinh Commune in Ky Anh District, but construction continues on the hotel and office development, stirring public outcry.
The main investor, Hung Dung Limited Company, which allegedly has no license for the work, began construction six months ago and the complex is nearing completion.
The development has encroached on land near the Tau Voi dam, which provides water to the Vung Ang economic zone and Ky Anh Township.
Residents are worried the dam may break due to the construction work.
Construction close to nearby dam
Provincial authorities have inspected the construction site. Vo Kim Cu, secretary of the provincial Party Committee, criticised communal and district cadres and requested them to demolish the complex in May.
Local residents suspected communal and district officials turned blind eyes to the illegal construction. However, Nguyen Van Bong, former chairman of the district People’s Committee, passed on the responsibility to communal authorities, who "did did not tell us about the complex until it was almost finished."
Luong Van Dinh, chairman of the communal People’s Committee, said the committee had fulfilled its responsibility and the investor should be held accountable.
“We’ve twice requested Hung Dung Limited Company to stop construction but it did not comply. We’ve also reported the case to the district government, but they have taken no action,” Dinh said.
The case has been passed up to the provincial government.
