Thanh Hoa communities struggle with stagnant environmental project

February 27, 2012 - 12:10 PM

Over 800 households in Thanh Hoa Province are struggling to maintain decent living conditions after the relocation of a water project.

Over 800 households in Thanh Hoa Province are struggling to maintain decent living conditions after the relocation of a water drainage project.

Makeshift houses along rivers in Thanh Hoa

Currently, these residents are living in a seriously polluted environment in makeshift houses and damaged roads.

Slow to the finish

The Dong Son water drainage project is one of the largest in Thanh Hoa. It began construction in December 2009.

Investment in the project has been increased to over VND730 billion (USD35 million) from initial estimate of VND362 billion (USD17.35 million), most of which came from Government bonds.

The project is expected to be completed in 2012 in order to improve water drainage systems in districts of Dong Son, Thieu Hoa, and Quang Xuong, as well as Thanh Hoa City, hopefully improving the living conditions of surrounding residents.

In order to facilitate the project, around 800 households were relocated, while 1,200 other families in 11 wards and communes have been affected. Compensation is estimated at VND138 billion (USD6.61 million).

Still, despite the plans, the project has been at a standstill for over two years.

In the relocation area, families are made to live in hastily-built temporary homes while they wait for compensation.

Nguyen Trong Minh, a resident of Thanh Hoa City’s Lam Son Ward, said, “We have yet to see any signs of the speeding up of the site clearance and compensation process. We don't know where we will move or how much we will receive."

Nguyen Cong Binh, a local man from the same ward, said roads along some sections of the river running through Lam Son, Truong Thi, Dong Ve, and Nam Ngan Wards, as well as Dong Huong Commune currently are torn up and awaiting repair by the investors.

Slow capital disbursement

Nguyen Van Thanh, head of the project’s management board, said, “We have yet to receive the capital, and the city hasn’t allocated land for resettlement. There is nothing we can do to improve the situation.”

Meanwhile, Nguyen Tu Khanh, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said, “In order to deal with the resettlement problems, it’s vital to have capital and land in hand. Despite huge investment, just VND100 billion (USD4.79 million) was disbursed, slowing down the construction process."