Voters petition hydroelectric plants that discharge floodwaters causing damage must compensate people

On the afternoon of October 3, provincial National Assembly delegates including Mr. Le Quang Huy - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Huu Cau - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Provincial Police Department had a meeting with voters in Xa Luong commune, Tuong Duong district.

Also attending were representatives of the following departments: Agriculture and Rural Development; Transport; Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs; leaders of Tuong Duong district and voters of Xa Luong commune.

Opening the meeting, on behalf of the National Assembly deputies, delegate Le Quang Huy - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment informed voters about the expected content and program of the upcoming 6th session of the 14th National Assembly.

Comrade Le Quang Huy - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment reported to voters the content and expected program of the 6th session. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Voter Chuong Van Thanh - Head of Xieng Huong village said that during the flood discharge from the hydroelectric plant on August 30 and 31, 164 households in Xa Luong commune were seriously affected, including 2 collapsed houses; 4 houses had to be demolished; 19 houses at risk of landslides had to be relocated; 7 flooded households, causing great difficulties for people living downstream of the hydroelectric plants in general and the people of Xieng Huong village in particular. Therefore, voters also requested the National Assembly to consider the consequences of the recent flood discharge under the responsibility of which hydroelectric plant, in order to have remedial measures to help people stabilize their lives soon.

Voters of Xa Luong commune petitioned National Assembly delegates. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Regarding the issue of hydropower, voter Vi Chinh Hung, Xieng Huong village also expressed concern about the fact that hydropower plants (Ban Ang, Nam Non, Khe Bo) have been put into operation but have not yet compensated or ensured the rights of the people. In addition, Nam Non hydropower plant did not conduct a survey to relocate people's houses before construction. Therefore, during the operation process up to now, many households living near the hydropower plant have experienced landslides and cracks. Therefore, voters also recommended that the authorities work with the owners of hydropower projects to promptly resolve the issue satisfactorily for the people.

The voter contact conference attracted a large number of people from Xa Luong commune to participate. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Regarding the issue of people's livelihood, voter Pham Ai Hong, Cua Rao 2 village, reflected that the demand for community activities in the locality is increasing, but the cultural house still does not have a yard, which limits the organization of cultural, artistic, physical education and sports activities in the area. Voters wish to be granted land to build a yard to serve the villagers.

In addition, voters also requested to provide a stable power source for villages directly affected by the consequences of two hydroelectric projects, Ban Ang and Nam Non.

National Highway 7 was cut off in many sections during the recent floods. Photo: Document

After listening to voters' recommendations, representatives of departments, branches and leaders of Ky Son district responded to opinions within their authority.

Representing the National Assembly deputies in answering the issues reflected and proposed by voters, comrade Nguyen Huu Cau sincerely thanked the voters for their opinions and suggestions to the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Ministries and branches, and local Party committees and authorities at all levels.

The recent storms and floods No. 3 and No. 4 and the flood discharge have left serious consequences, causing the entire Nghe An province to suffer losses of more than 458 billion VND, of which Tuong Duong district suffered losses of about 100 billion VND. To overcome the consequences of natural disasters, the provincial leaders have directed and supported localities and affected families. At the same time, the provincial leaders have submitted documents to the Government proposing support for people affected by storms and floods, to soon stabilize their lives and continue production.

Delegate Nguyen Huu Cau receives and explains voters' recommendations. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Regarding the issue of hydropower plants, the delegate said that currently, Tuong Duong district has 4 hydropower plants in operation and 2 hydropower plants under construction. On September 12, 2018, Ban Ve Hydropower Company proposed that Power Generation Corporation 1 support Tuong Duong district with 400 million VND and Con Cuong district with 100 million VND.

“Currently, the provincial leaders continue to direct the functional branches of the inspection teams to inspect all the damage. According to the viewpoint of the provincial leaders, especially the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: any hydropower plants that release floodwaters causing damage to the people must compensate,” emphasized delegate Nguyen Huu Cau.

The Provincial Police Director promised to receive and fully convey voters' opinions to competent authorities.

Phuong Thuy