River encroachment is still underway despite public outcry 

The project, for scenery upgrading and urban development along the banks of the Dong Nai River, was approved by the Dong Nai provincial People’s Committee on September 13, 2009. It is expected to cost VND300bn and cover 15ha, affecting 7ha of riverbank.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen said the provincial government had based its assessments on insufficient information, and needs further research by relevant agencies under the Ministry Natural Resources and Environment.

“Due to the lack of a dyke, stone and soil would further flow into the river and may cause serious consequences in the future,” he warned.

Le Manh Hung, deputy director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Water Resource Department, said the project encroaches as much as 7.7ha on the river and will result in considerable change to the river’s flow.

“We’ve yet to receive any proposal for the project by the provincial government. We really need more comprehensive environmental and flood assessment on the project,” Hung said.

He said the project was approved on the basis of inadequate consideration and assessment by relevant authorities.

“The river encroachment would cause serious consequences on the long term. If no measures are timely taken to prevent the construction it would cost much more to deal with the aftermath,” Hung said.

Hung said he agreed with a proposal by the the Vietnam River Network (VRN) that the provincial government withdraw the construction license of the project.