Wastewater from a paper production facility in Phong Khê Ward. — Photo vov.vn

BẮC NINH — Bắc Ninh City People’s Committee has held talks with paper production businesses from Phong Khê Ward, outlining plans to relocate them due to environmental concerns.

Nguyễn Mạnh Hiếu, chairman of the People’s Committee, revealed that 341 paper production facilities currently operate in Phong Khê Ward, with 228 located in residential areas on illegally occupied land. 

These facilities employ over 4,000 workers, many without proper labour contracts or insurance, the Voice of Việt Nam reported. 

"Most of these operations rely on outdated, discarded machinery from factories," Hiếu said during the meeting on Thursday. 

"This results in low productivity and significant pollution of water, air, and land."

Since November 2021, Bắc Ninh authorities have intensified inspections, issued fines and planned the relocation of these businesses to ensure environmental sustainability.

Following an environmental review in July, an inter-agency inspection team has assessed 70 of the 228 residential-based facilities, with seven refusing to cooperate.

Most inspected businesses and 53 steam supply companies were found in violation of environmental, safety, tax and construction regulations.

The city plans to relocate these businesses by 2029, offering relocation assistance of up to VNĐ200 million (US$8,00) per household. 

New locations in industrial clusters in Bắc Kạn and Lào Cai provinces have been suggested for businesses wishing to continue operations. 

Efforts are underway to provide alternative employment for the displaced workers within Bắc Ninh’s industrial zones, ensuring they receive salaries equal to or better than their current earnings.

Currently, 132 units are still operational. 

The inspection team aims to review 50 units in September, 50 more in October, and complete all inspections by November. Violators will be shut down immediately, with no need to wait for the December 31 deadline. 

Inspections will also target the Phong Khê I and II industrial clusters, with immediate closures for any non-compliant facilities, long before the 2029 deadline, according to Hiếu. 

He said that Bắc Ninh Province will not allocate land for recycled production within its borders, limiting future investments in the province’s industrial zones.

Most business representatives agreed with the city’s relocation policy but urged better communication to ensure public understanding. They also raised concerns about the capacity of wastewater treatment plants. 

Some indicated willingness to relocate to other industrial clusters within the province.

However, some business owners argued that the inspection process was unfair, claiming they were coerced into signing agreements to dismantle and halt operations.

In response, Hiếu reiterated that all paper production facilities in Phong Khê must relocate by 2029, adding that any violations before then would lead to immediate closure. 

The city’s goal is to ensure transparency, fairness, and the sustainable transformation of Phong Khê into a green and clean area.

Under the city’s relocation plan, all paper production within residential areas will cease by December 31. 

By the end of 2029, authorities will strictly manage the remaining facilities in the Phong Khê I and II industrial clusters. 

All operations in these clusters will cease by December 31, 2029, with the land repurposed for urban development, housing and commercial services. — VNS