VietNamNet Bridge – Stalled plans to build a sea embankment in Lien Chieu District of Da Nang City has left thousands of families living in fear of floods.

A sea embankment being built in Da Nang City, is aimed to protect local residents from floodings in the rainy season.

The first phase of the project, a 600-metre-long dike which would protect around 300 families in the area during storm season, was planned for completion in August this year. But one month after the deadline only 10m has been worked on, said Le Van Te, chairman of Hoa Hiep Bac Ward in the district.

“About 100 families and tens of shrimp farms are facing the threat of being swept away,” said Te.

When the tide was high, local people had to use rocks and sand bags to protect their houses, said Nguyen Tuan Hoang, a resident of Hoa Hiep Nam Ward. “We can’t do it forever,” he added.

In 2006, the houses of around 10 families on Xuan Duong Street in collapsed under sea water. In 2007, four houses in the district were swept away.

The rising price of construction materials was partly to blame for the hold-up, said Le Duy Vong, head of the irrigation branch of Da Nang City’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Department.

Costs calculated in the original plan had to be readjusted. “The dyke will be completed by April 2009,” he said.

(Source: Viet Nam News)