Lawyers have complained about the Ministry of Public Security’s decision not to prosecute the company that constructed the substandard Da River water pipeline.
The pipeline broke for the 18th time on July 11, prompting massive public anger.
From February 2012 to September 2015, the pipeline broke 14 times
The pipeline went into operation seven years ago, but it has broken multiple times. The Ministry of Construction said the material used in the construction was unsuitable for supplying such a huge amount of water to the city. Vinaconex invested VND1.5 trillion (USD71.4 million) in the project, and its affiliate, the Vinaconex Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Pipe Company, supplied the pipes.
Seven officials of Vinaconex Glass Fibre were investigated for regulatory offences last year. However, according to the Ministry of Public Security, they were of ‘good reputation’, and fully co-operative during the investigation. It also cited that they had ‘made contributions to the country’ and there was no evidence of corruption so the authorities didn't carry out prosecution.
Truong Thanh Duc, chairman of Basico Law Firm, said the ministry's reasons to not prosecute violators were unreasonable. Each time the pipeline broke it had caused massive damage to businesses and affected the lives of thousands of people in Hanoi. Even initial investigation showed that the officials had violated regulations.
"I think we need to prosecute those leaders. Having a ‘good reputation’ or ‘making contributions to the country’ should only help to lighten the punishment," he said.
Le Dang Doanh, former head of the Central Institute for Economic Management, also agreed, saying that if this case was not dealt with seriously, it would set up a bad precedent. "Firms can go on causing damage without fear. Lawyers should be invited to give opinions and we need to file the case," he said.
From February 2012 to September 2015, the pipeline broke 14 times, affecting 177,000 households.
Last year, two hospitals, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital and Hospital 198 had to face major difficulties after the water pipeline broke. Nearly 900 patients and 800 employees at Hospital 198 have had to find ways to work around the water shortage.
Hanoi authorities have begun planning a second pipeline to bring water from the Da River.
