Hydropower plant construction blamed for damaged houses

VietNamNet Bridge – Households in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong have complained that explosions at a nearby hydropower plant construction site may be causing damage to their homes.

A local complains about the cracks in his house, which seems to have been caused by explosions coming from the construction site of the nearby hydropower plant. – Photo vov.vn

Residents of Phu Trung and Phu Thuan villages in the province’s Quang Phu Commune said explosives used to build the Chu Pong Krong hydropower plant in Krong No District have caused cracks to develop in their houses, the Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) reported.

Do Quang Dang, a Phu Trung village resident, said a number of large cracks started appearing in March in his house, which is 200m away from Krong No River.

“My house would rock whenever the explosions were carried out,” Dang said. “I am scared because my solid house has developed many cracks.”

Another local, Le Van Chien, said his newly-built house has also been affected by the explosions.

Chien said while cracks had previously appeared in his house since it was just built, the impact from the explosions caused the cracks to become wider and longer.

Locals said some left their homes out of fear that they would collapse after receiving notice about the blasting from contractors.

Ongoing construction of the Chu Pong Krong Hydropower plant on the Krong No River, which sits on the border between Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces. – Photo vov.vn

Residents have reported the situation to local authorities, the project’s investors and its construction team, asking them to determine the cause of the damage to their homes and to have a plan to support and compensate them for the damage.

Vu Hoang Phu, chairman of the Quang Phu Commune People’s Committee, said they have received complaint letters from 25 households.

The provincial Department of Industry and Trade, which was directed by provincial authorities to inspect the site, confirmed that several houses had developed cracks.

The deputy chairman of the Krong No District People’s Committee, Tran Dang Anh, said local authorities and competent agencies were working with investors and the construction unit to investigate the damage and develop a plan to support the affected households by July 15.

Work on the 7.5MW Chu Pong Krong Hydropower plant began early this year. The plant is located on the Krong No River, which is on the border between Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces.

Source: VNS