Core site (Vĩnh Trường hamlet, Phước Đinh commune) for the construction of the Ninh Thuận 1 nuclear power plant. VNA/VNS Photo

KHÁNH HOÀ — Facing a tight five-year deadline for the Ninh Thuận 1 and 2 nuclear power projects, Khánh Hoà Province is stepping up efforts to accelerate key tasks, aiming to complete compensation and site clearance for both plants in the second quarter of 2026, in line with the Prime Minister's directive.

Bottlenecks cleared

The Ninh Thuận 1 and 2 projects are national key works of major socio-economic significance, drawing strong attention from Party and State leaders. Progress had been slowed by policy frameworks, compounded by large-scale land clearance, making the removal of institutional bottlenecks critical.

In response, the National Assembly Standing Committee issued Resolution No. 121/2026/UBTVQH15, refining special mechanisms and policies, particularly in compensation, support and resettlement, to better safeguard residents' interests. According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Trịnh Minh Hoàng, the move provides a solid legal basis to speed up implementation and relocation procedures.

The province has also intensified oversight, introduced housing support of VNĐ5 million (nearly US$190) per month for displaced residents awaiting resettlement, and clarified responsibilities for land inventory, measurement and site selection. Notably, more than VNĐ9.8 billion has been disbursed to relocate 570 graves, helping accelerate clearance for the Ninh Thuận 1 Plant.

Local officials noted that while grave relocation is sensitive, it is crucial to project timelines and has received strong public support. Residents in core project areas have shown high consensus and readiness to hand over land, especially as policies increasingly ensure their rights and livelihoods.

Leaders of the People's Committee of Phước Đinh commune provide information on compensation payments to families relocating graves to facilitate the construction of the Ninh Thuận 1 nuclear power plant. VNA/VNS Photo

"Campaign-style" implementation

The provincial steering committee has intensified efforts to expedite compensation, clearance and resettlement, while a special task force will assist with legal procedures. Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Việt Hùng said the province is working in "campaign mode", adhering to clear responsibilities, timelines and outcomes, to complete site clearance by June 30, 2026.

Under the plan, Ninh Thuận 1 will complete both the plant and resettlement areas by June 30, while Ninh Thuận 2 aims to finish the plant area by June 15 and resettlement by June 30. Detailed timelines have been set for land acquisition notices, public consultations, compensation approval, payments and grave relocation, ensuring the process is fast, thorough and compliant, with no budget losses or policy abuse.

Authorities are also accelerating construction of resettlement areas and cemeteries, surveying construction materials, and resolving overlapping land issues. Measurement, inventory and land origin verification have largely been completed, laying the groundwork for subsequent steps.

The Ninh Thuận 1 plant site spans over 449ha, affecting 835 cases, while its 65.62ha resettlement area impacts 129 cases. So far, compensation has been approved for 154 cases (122.1ha), with 18 already paid; at the resettlement site, 56 cases (30.7ha) have been approved, with 12 paid.

For Ninh Thuận 2, the plant site covers more than 318ha, affecting 534 households, and the resettlement area, covering over 31ha, affects 125 households. Authorities have completed land inventory for all households, provided advance payments to 120 of 516 households, and approved grave relocation for 172 households and one organisation, with payments completed for 37 cases. — VNA/VNS