Hanoi authorities have vowed to punish and revoke the licence of firms which are polluting the environment. 

A plastic, nylon bag production factory in Me Linh

The problem was discussed during an online meeting about environmental protection and urban construction management with leaders of districts, wards and communes in Hanoi on September 24. 

Dozens of households in Do Ha Village, Me Linh District, have voiced their frustration over a local plastic, nylon bag production factory. According to the locals, the factory belongs to Nguyen Van Tinh and has been opened for years. It works night and day, releasing a foul smell into the air. Wastewater was not treated and has polluted local streams. The locals are also tortured by the loud noises from the factory.

They have complained to the authorities many times but nothing has been solved. Tran Van Trung, chairman of Tien Phong Commune said that they had already fined Tinh, withdrew the business licence and ordered to stop electricity to the factory. However, operations have continued. Trung said he would report the case to Me Linh District authorities.

Vu Thi Bach, the representative for other locals, said, "Since the factory operated, many people have fallen ill. My brother-in-law died last year and my sister died this year. Before her death, she kept telling her children to sell the house but who will buy it?"

According to Chu Phu My, director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the pollution in Nhue, Day and Bay rivers have badly affected the local economy. Director of Industry and Trade Le Hong Thang also worried that 18 industrial clusters still lacked waste treatment plants.

Hoang Trung Hai, party secretary of Hanoi, said littering was still rampant and rubbish collecting at some locations was slow. Moreover, environmental projects are often behind schedule. Hai said he had discussed with the city people's committee and the people's council to find funding for river cleaning projects.

"This is a huge shortcoming and low awareness about responsibilities. Don't the leaders feel ashamed when your areas are so dirty?" Hai said.

He emphasised that factories must treat the wastewater first before discharging. If the authorities fail to tighten management and withdraw licenses of polluting firms then nothing will improve. The rivers will be polluted time and time again since factories keep discharging into them.

Hai also urged to deal with air pollution problem, ban the use of honeycomb coal at apartment buildings and frequently carry out fire safety inspections.

Tien Phong/Dtinews