Production of dashboard bricks in Quynh Van commune causes pollution and traffic safety loss

(Baonghean) In recent years, in Quynh Van commune (Quynh Luu), the production of clamshells has developed rapidly, creating jobs for many local workers, contributing significantly to the economic development of the commune. However, in addition to economic benefits, there are environmental pollution and encroachment on traffic safety corridors.

Quynh Van Commune currently has 86 households participating in the production of clams with nearly 100 molding machines and 200 cement mixing machines, mainly concentrated in 5 villages with terrain adjacent to National Highway 1A, namely 15, 16, 17, 11 and 12. Most of the clam fields have large areas, close to the road. Some households make use of their family's land fund, while others have to rent premises from other families, but in general, they all stick to both sides of the National Highway 1A corridor for easier operation.

Brick manufacturing facilities encroach on the sidewalkNational Highway 1A (section through Quynh Van and Quynh Luu communes)

Every time construction season comes around like this, households run their machines at full capacity, the village is filled with dust, and the noise of all kinds of machines is rumbling day and night. "My house is near the oyster factory, so it's a headache, the machines are buzzing all day, dusty, noisy, and my children can't concentrate on their studies" - Mr. Le Van Thanh, village 17, Quynh Van commune, Quynh Luu district said.

Every day, thousands of clams are spread out on the roadside, along with vehicles coming in and out to get the goods in a chaotic manner. Local people compete to pick up the clams, causing a significant impact on traffic participants on National Highway 1A. "I go to work every day, but I feel very embarrassed when passing this section of the road. Rocks, soil, and cement from the clam stalls overflow and cover the pedestrian divider. During rush hours, large trucks come in and out to pick up goods in a chaotic manner, obscuring the view and affecting traffic participants, making it very easy for accidents to happen." - Mr. Le Ba Chau, a resident of Mai Hung commune, Quynh Luu district, said indignantly.

With the above shortcomings of the clam production activities, many people have submitted petitions and complaints, the Commune People's Committee has gone to the production facilities to inspect and make records to handle violators, but it has not been effective. The above situation continues to occur, there have been many traffic accidents, mainly due to chaos from clam production facilities. Mr. Le Tien Uy, Vice Chairman (in charge of economy) of Quynh Van Commune (Quynh Luu) said: "The Commune People's Committee has taken many measures to handle violating clam production households, but the situation is very difficult. In 2012, the Commune People's Committee has organized a conference of village comrades through which all the people agree to participate in contributing to the environmental fund and will have a commitment with each clam casting household, complying with environmental awareness, traffic security issues, and safety corridors to ensure compliance with state regulations".

The economic benefits that the production of clamshells brings to the locality are enormous. Therefore, the People's Committee of Quynh Van commune is planning to develop a project for clamshell making craft villages to submit to competent authorities and sectors for recognition of craft villages in order to maximize the economic potential of this activity. However, to do that, the local government needs to direct the effective resolution of the above problems, limit environmental pollution, and restore traffic corridors in accordance with regulations.

Nhu Thuy