The Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday began an investigation into a series of recent incidents leading to the rupture of the pipeline bringing water from Da River to Ha Noi.

The move follows the Ministry's decision No 03/C46-P10 issued on July 24.

Major General Nguyen Duc Thinh, head of the Investigation Police Bureau for Economic Management Order Offences (C46), said the probe aimed to determine the "violating regulations on construction causing serious consequences" under Article 229 of the country's Penal Code.

The water pipeline was put into use in 2009, with a total investment of VND1.5 trillion (US$70.8 million) by Vinaconex Clean Water Joint Stock Company under the Viet Nam Construction and Import-Export Corporation (Vinaconex).

Since being commissioned, the pipeline has seen nine breakages that have disrupted the daily lives of about 70,000 local residents living in the Hoang Mai, Thanh Xuan and Tu Liem districts.

In response to the disruptions, Vinaconex on Tuesday published the decision No 03/C46-P10 on its website, while General Director Vu Quy Ha sent an official message on the investigation to the State Securities Commission of Viet Nam and the Ha Noi Stock Exchange.

Notice about the investigation was also sent out to Vinaconex's investors on the same day.

Vinaconex said that the corporation has closely co-operated with police to provide detailed information relating to the water pipeline as required.

The company's business and production operations were continuing as normal, a statement said.

VNS/VNN