Sand dredging in Hau River, Phu Tan District, in the Mekong Delta Province of An Giang (Photo: Tuoi tre)

Vietnam’s rivers call for help

Inspection teams were set up after allegations were made that illegal sand dredging had led to erosion, marine traffic accidents and social disorders in Can Tho City.

Two inspection teams from the ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, and Construction will check sand dredging and businesses in the Mekong Delta provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Hau Giang, Kien Giang and Can Tho from September 7 to 13.

Can Tho’s government has so far given 27 licenses to exploit sand to16 businesses.

The province’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment has decided to stop renewing or extend licenses for businesses. It has not approved licenses to dredge sand by three companies, halted the extension of 11 expired licenses and three other transferring licenses.

The Hanoi Investigative Police Bureau against Criminals of Social Order and Position Abuse in the South (C15B) will begin an investigation of sand exports and trading.

Initial investigations have found that some businesses have defrauded customs declarations. For instance, some have faked signed or bogus contracts. Others have used seals which have been revoked or the expiry date altered.

VietNamNet/SGGP