Early completion of evacuation of 14 households affected by hydroelectric dam flood discharge

Implementing the Work Program for June 2020, on the morning of June 16, the Provincial People's Committee held a meeting to consider and resolve support for the relocation of 14 households in Xieng Huong village, Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong) affected by the flood in August 2018.

Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee chaired the meeting. Attending the meeting were representatives of provincial departments, branches and sectors, leaders of Tuong Duong District People's Committee, Ban Ve Hydropower Company, Nghe An Energy Development Corporation (Owner of Nam Non Hydropower Plant). Photo: D.C.

According to the report of the Department of Industry and Trade, the impact of the flood in August 2018 caused damage to property, houses and garden soil erosion of 14 households on the left bank downstream of the Nam Non Hydropower Plant. Of which, 4 households had their houses washed away or had to be demolished, other households had their houses damaged, garden soil eroded, causing safety risks for people and property.

Based on the proposal of the Department of Industry and Trade, Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee previously chaired a meeting to consider and resolve relocation support and issued Meeting Notice No. 607/TB-UBND dated October 11, 2019. Accordingly, the People's Committee of Tuong Duong district has prepared a dossier for compensation, support, relocation and resettlement for the above 14 households of Xieng Huong village. The estimated cost is nearly 6,588,387,358 VND.

A house in Xieng Huong village, Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong) had many properties swept away by floodwaters. Photo: Archive

Up to now, based on the mobilization of funding sources before and after the Conclusion Notice No. 607/TB-UBND dated October 11, 2019, after completing the leveling and planning of residential land plots, the locality organized a lottery for households, 14 households received land. As of June 15, 2020, 7 households have built houses (of which 4 have moved to new residences, 3 are under construction). 7 households have not built houses yet because the funding has not been received in full, so they have not been able to build houses, and are currently living temporarily in the old location.

Thus, up to now, the total remaining funding to support the relocation of the remaining households in Xieng Huong village, Xa Luong commune, Tuong Duong district is 2,426,791,359 VND.

Representatives of Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong) hope to soon receive financial support for relocation. Photo: D.C.

At the meeting, representatives of departments and branches had many opinions, including opinions that it is necessary to implement socialization in support work. On the side of Nghe An Energy Development Corporation and Ban Ve Hydropower Company, they said that they had supported in the total budget to overcome the consequences of flood discharge in 2018, with the current difficulties, it is very difficult to arrange funds for additional support.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Le Ngoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that the relocation of households is very necessary and urgent, to ensure the safety of people and property before the 2020 storm season.

Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa concluded the working session. Photo: D.C.

Accordingly, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Ngoc Hoa requested relevant departments, branches and units to urgently carry out their tasks.

Specifically, with the current funding shortage of VND 2,426,791,359, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs is assigned to put 14 households on the list of support for housing construction. Tuong Duong district coordinates with the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to put the remaining 6 households on the list of beneficiaries of the natural disaster prevention and control fund (currently 8 households have received support). In particular, the Department of Finance reviews to arrange the remaining funding, on that basis, Tuong Duong district focuses on completing the relocation work in July 2020.