Nghi Yên Solid Waste Treatment Complex in Nghi Lộc District, Nghệ An Province. Provincial agencies and authorities are urgently completing the resettlement area for local households. — Photo dantri.com.vn

NGHỆ AN — Authorities in the central province of Nghệ An are urgently completing infrastructure for a resettlement area to relocate households affected by the Nghi Yên Solid Waste Treatment Complex.

Lê Hồng Vinh, Vice Chairman of Nghệ An Provincial People's Committee, on February 13, asked Nghi Lộc District People's Committee to complete infrastructure for the resettlement area in Nghi Yên Commune.

He also asked the contractors to ensure the project is completed next month.

“In particular, the electricity supply and road works must be prioritised to be completed before March 10, so families can move to the area soon to build houses,” he said.

At the same time, provincial leaders also directed authorities in Nghi Lộc District to soon complete the compensation payments.

In 2017, Nghệ An Province approved a 6ha resettlement area in village 3, Nghi Yên Commune.

However, due to a lack of funds, the resettlement project so far has been levelled, with road and drainage systems finished.

Nghi Lộc District People's Committee had also announced the compensation for 75 households living near the complex with a total budget of over VNĐ130 billion (US$5.6 million).

The VNĐ100 billion ($4.3 million), 53-hectare solid waste treatment complex, located in Nghi Lộc District, was put into operation in 2011.

The complex, which has a daily processing capacity of 300 tonnes, belongs to Nghệ An Urban Construction and Environment Joint Stock Company.

The complex collected and treated waste for Vinh City, Cửa Lò Town, Nghi Lộc District and part of Hưng Nguyên and Nam Đàn districts.

At least 39 local households had moved for the implementation of this project.

Previously, people living near the area had informed local authorities the complex was seriously polluting the surrounding area and negatively affecting the lives of local people.

Wastewater leaking from the complex and flowing into residential areas led to fouls smells and seriously polluted the environment, forcing many households to move to other places. 

“Since the complex opened in 2011, we haven't had a good night’s sleep,” said Nguyễn Thị Mùi, 60, living at Village 4, Nghi Yên Commune.

“The process of transporting and gathering waste causes a bad stench and flies. Both day and night, we are exposed to the stench and burning smell of incinerators, especially in the rainy season, smoke from incinerators remains low.”

“Adults feel tightness in their chests and shortness of breath. Children, the elderly and sick people also suffer the worst.”

Local authorities and relevant agencies inspected the site and determined that 50 households located within 500 - 600m of the plant needed relocation.

About 200 other households within 1km of the complex were impacted.

Lê Hồng Vinh, Vice Chairman of Nghệ An Provincial People's Committee, issued a decision in August 2019 to fine Nghệ An Urban Construction and Environment Joint Stock Company VNĐ594 million ($25,600) for pollution. — VNS