Lack of transparency

(Baonghean)Since 2007, Nghe An Water Supply One Member Co., Ltd. has implemented an investment project to replace the level 3 water network throughout the city. During the implementation process, in addition to the State's capital, there was a part of the people's contribution. Particularly in Block 10, Hong Son Ward, due to the lack of transparency in some costs of installation, it has caused public outrage...

Block 10, Hong Son Ward - Vinh City has over 80 households. Previously, due to limited funds and to save money for people in the process of installing tap water, all pipes were placed behind the houses of families. After many years of use, due to the pipes being too old and outdated technology, many pipes were damaged, the water flowed slowly, and were not hygienic, affecting people's lives.

Mr. Phi's family's newly installed water pipes.

Faced with this situation, after the proposal of the People's Committee of Hong Son Ward, Nghe An Water Supply One Member Co., Ltd. planned to upgrade the entire level 3 water network to the front of the residential area with the aim of improving the quality of clean and safe water sources. When this plan was announced, people in the block were very excited, especially when they learned that this project was fully funded and people only had to pay for the cost of installing pipes from the meter into the house. However, when the installation was completed, people were shocked to learn that, although it was called "funded", the amount of money that households had to pay was not small and they did not understand which documents the company based on to collect the above fees.

Mr. Phi (in lane 4, block 10) indignantly said: “Before installation, the water plant should have a budget estimate for the project, after installation and acceptance, when people pay, there should be an invoice. But here, there is none. My house, from the main pipe to the house is less than 1m, the meter is already available, I just have to buy an additional meter box and some small accessories, but I was charged 893,000 VND, of which the labor cost for collecting twice alone was about 450,000 VND.

Regarding other revenues, we do not know what the water plant staff base their calculations on for the households. People only know what is written in the staff's notebook and pay accordingly, there is no invoice". Ms. Nga, the family next door also wondered: According to regulations, all projects invested by the State must have invoices and documents when completed because they are related to tax payments. If this is "ignored", will the State lose revenue?

When mentioning the above questions of the people, Mr. Tran Van Tung - Head of Planning - Technical Department, Nghe An Water Supply One Member Co., Ltd. was very surprised and said: According to the company's regulations, all investment projects to renovate the level 3 water network must be implemented in order. First, the company works with the local government, then meets with residents in the block to approve the investment costs. Before proceeding with the installation, the water plant staff will bring the design documents and estimates to each family for study and review, if there are any questions, they will make corrections. After the investment is completed, the money will be collected from the households.

Thus, with the above process, compared with the work that the water collection team of water supply service branch No. 1 led by Mr. Dau Cong Hai - head of the construction and repair team of branch 1 - is doing at block 10, Hong Son ward, Mr. Tung said: That is a work that goes against regulations and the people's questions are completely justified.

Regarding this incident, Mr. Phan Trinh - Head of Water Supply Service Branch No. 1 admitted the shortcomings of the branch in the process of installing and renovating the level 3 water network in Block 10, Hong Son Ward, the branch's "shortcut" was against the procedure. Mr. Tung also added: If 1 household issues 1 invoice, it is very wasteful and usually "when the project is completed and a unit requests it, we will issue 1 general invoice" (?). Regarding the irresponsible actions of Branch 1, Mr. Tung requested: The branch needs to urgently supplement the design and estimate documents, based on this document, people can calculate the installation cost for their family. If there is a difference between the amount paid and the estimated amount, go directly to the company to make a request. In case the water plant staff makes mistakes, miscalculates the amounts according to regulations, they will be considered for disciplinary action and the company must pay the people back.