Environment
Villagers up in arms over cement plant pollution
  • By Dang Tai-Duc Long | dtinews.vn | April 14, 2014 02:11 PM

Hundreds of households in Quang Binh Province have complained that the noise and dust from a local factory has been making life difficult there for seven years.

Noise and dust from the Ang Son II Cement Plant have prompted many locals in Ang Son Village to seek help from various agencies. Investigation teams came and took measurements of the pollution, yet nothing has been done to improve the situation.

"My husband died from cancer, all four of my grandchildren are also sick all the time and one died from cancer when he was five," a local said.

Resident points out a dust-covered table

On April 2 about 100 people gathered and tried to block the way to the plant. The trucks that carry materials to the plant have also been blamed for ruining the road. A street maintenance worker said that even though they are 20-tonne cargo trucks, they regularly take loads of 30 to 40 tonnes. The villagers complain about the constant rumbling and honking of the trucks during the night.


Villagers block the road


Road ruined by heavy trucks

A representative of the Ang Son II Cement Plant said they signed a contract with transport company and so were not directly responsible for damaged roads or air pollution from the trucks. Recently, the company held a talk and promised to fix the pollution problem.

"We have asked the transport company to cover their cargo and refrain from honking at lunchtime and at night," said Bui Quang Huy, head of Office for Organisation and Administration.

Pham Ngoc Vu, Deputy Director of the plant, said they did everything they could to prevent pollution, such as using water trucks, planting trees and deploying street cleaning teams. "The factory does not emit smoke or dust. We're also a victim in this case, we have proposed many times that local authorities build a new resettlement area for community."

Deputy director of plant talks with villagers

In response, the households said they have pictures showing the plant emitting smoke and dust. They said the water trucks are just for show and that trucks operate from 10pm to 5am, violating their agreement.

Currently, due to a limited budget, the authorities still cannot provide a new resettlement area. The Quang Binh Province People's Committee admitted that there is severe pollution; they have not yet implemented any solutions but have promised to try to relocate the households.

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