The residents of Banh Binh Quang village, Chau Binh commune, Quy Chau district, Nghe An province, face numerous challenges following the construction of the Banh Mong dam project. This large-scale project, with its enormous budget, has significantly impacted the daily lives of hundreds of families, particularly those who were relocated.
Mounting Difficulties After the Project
The Banh Mong Dam project, initiated in 2009, transformed Banh Binh Quang, once a peaceful rural community, into a forgotten place. The infrastructure deteriorated: roads became impassable, electricity, communication, and internet access were unavailable, schools and health centers were nonexistent. Students had to walk nearly 10 kilometers to school.
Many families, like Mr. Vo Xuan Thong, were relocated but did not receive adequate support. Delayed compensation and resettlement efforts resulted in dilapidated homes and impoverished living conditions. Numerous families struggled to afford repairs or rebuild their homes. The red dirt road leading into the village became increasingly treacherous.
Heartbreaking Stories of Lack of Support
Families in Banh Binh Quang faced significant hardship. Ms. Pham Thi Loan worried about her collapsing house, lacking support for repairs. Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, a resident since 1988, expressed concern about not being included in the compensation and resettlement lists. These cases highlight the unresolved issues.
Government Response
Mr. Tran Bao Linh, head of the Quy Chau District Department of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that the government was working to address these issues. However, compensation and resettlement efforts continued to encounter obstacles. Families without support would be considered and added to the list when the area flooded and became an island.
The Banh Mong Dam Project: An Overview
The Banh Mong Dam Project, Phase 1, was approved in 2009 with a total investment of 3.744 billion USD. The project aimed to support agriculture and local economic development. However, the consequences of delayed construction and inadequate resettlement support remain urgent issues.
Current Situation
Currently, approximately 100 families have received compensation and relocated, but nearly 40 families are still awaiting assistance. Swift and effective solutions are needed to address the difficulties faced by these families and prevent future complications.
Conclusion
The struggles of Banh Binh Quang villagers after the Banh Mong Dam project demonstrate the challenges inherent in large-scale development projects. Stronger collaboration between government agencies and timely support from local authorities are crucial to address compensation, resettlement issues, and ensure the rights of the community.
