Finding solutions to ensure sustainable livelihoods for people resettled in hydropower projects

Mr. Le Hong Vinh - Member of the Standing Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Committee, Head of the Economic - Budget Committee of the Provincial People's Council chaired the meeting. Photo: Minh Chi

In Que Phong district, there are 10 hydropower projects approved for investment, of which 4 projects have been put into operation and generated electricity and 6 projects are being implemented. Of the 4 projects that have generated electricity, Hua Na hydropower plant has a large capacity of 180 MW, the remaining 3 projects have a capacity of 3 to 18 MW.

According to Mr. Le Van Giap - Chairman of Que Phong District People's Committee, in the early stages of land acquisition and site clearance compensation, the investor and the locality coordinated very well, ensuring full payment in accordance with State policies.

Regarding hydropower projects in the area, 158 petitions and complaints from people have arisen, which the district has coordinated with investors to resolve on the basis of ensuring the legitimate rights of the people.

However, the biggest concern now, according to the Chairman of the District People's Committee, is ensuring long-term livelihoods for the people. If there is no solution, in a few years, people in the resettlement area will face many difficulties.

Mr. Giap explained that currently, the implementation of the policy on land for production for the people still has many problems. The quality of investment in some traffic works, water supply, community houses, and people's housing is low. If there is no budget and support from investors for maintenance, it will also be a big difficulty for the people resettled by hydropower plants...

The monitoring delegation conducted a fact-finding tour of hydropower projects in Que Phong district. Photo: Minh Chi

At the meeting, members of the monitoring delegation raised many issues related to the implementation of investors' commitments as well as resolving problems arising in the area.

Some members suggested that Que Phong district pay attention to managing hydropower projects, especially implementing environmental protection commitments; coordinate with investors to exploit and use water surfaces; and find solutions to stabilize people's lives in the long term.

The reality is that Que Phong district needs to proactively develop a project to ensure sustainable livelihoods and bring a more stable life to people in the hydropower resettlement area. Photo: Minh Chi

Concluding the meeting, pointing out many shortcomings and limitations in the implementation of hydropower projects in Que Phong, Head of the Economic - Budget Committee of the Provincial People's Council Le Hong Vinh suggested that the district proactively develop a project to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the people, focusing on building economic models, enhancing vocational training, bringing a more stable and sustainable life to the people.

The district needs to coordinate with investors to review policies, ensure that the rights of the people are maximized and that resettled people have a life equal to or better than their old place of residence; at the same time, coordinate to properly resolve related issues arising in the area.

On the basis of recording the feedback of some local authorities and the leaders of Que Phong district wishing not to invest in small hydropower projects in the area, the Head of the Economic - Budget Committee of the Provincial People's Council affirmed that the Committee will report to the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council and the Provincial People's Committee to study this issue. The Committee will also work with the Provincial People's Committee to build a policy mechanism, stabilize sustainable life for the people...

Minh Chi