Customs Departments in Mekong Delta provinces have begun enforcing a Government directive banning the export of sand and gravel dredged from the various channels of the Mekong River.

There has been an export frenzy in the Delta since May, when Cambodia barred further export of river sand to Singapore.

In just a few months, more sand has been dredged and exported from Vietnam than in the entire preceding decade.

Singapore is using many millions of tons of sand and gravel to extend its shoreline; since 1965 it has added 33 square kilometers to the area of the island state and it aims to add another 98.

Press coverage that called attention to the unsustainable depletion of river sand and related environmental impacts was instrumental in galvanizing Government action.

Vietnam’s ban follows similar action in Malaysia and Indonesia some years ago as well as in Cambodia.

The new ban covers all export activity, remedying a loophole in an earlier ban that permitted companies to fulfill contracts made before 30 November 2008.

Investigations a month ago revealed that most if not all of the contracts were backdated, and hence fraudulent.

Entrepreneurs may continue to dredge river sand and gravel to supply construction projects within Vietnam.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre