HCMC – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has ordered compensation for farmers whose rice fields were damaged by saline water linked to the construction of the Can Tho–Ca Mau Expressway, reported the Government news website (baochinhphu.vn).
The Ministry of Construction was told to address saline water leakage from the expressway construction site, which has negatively affected rice and other crops in adjacent areas. Ha tasked project developers and contractors with reviewing damages in coordination with local authorities and to compensate affected residents in accordance with regulations.
According to reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, more than 21 hectares of winter-spring rice along the expressway, in Luong Nghia Commune, Hau Giang Province, have been damaged. Many fields suffered root rot, leaf burn, and, in some cases, total crop loss.
Local residents said the damage began after contractors pumped sand to build the expressway’s foundation. The lack of proper drainage allowed alum and saline water to overflow into the fields.
Authorities measured salt concentrations in affected fields at 7 to 11 parts per thousand, far exceeding the threshold tolerated by rice plants.
The Hau Giang authorities confirmed that 49 households in three hamlets were affected, with damage ranging from 20% to 100% of their rice crop. The Ministry of Construction was instructed to ensure compliance with construction standards and take measures to prevent further contamination.
Authorities also asked the ministries and local agencies to guide farmers in cleaning affected fields to enable continued cultivation.
Contractors said river sand was used for the project, but sand delivery coincided with the saltwater intrusion season. As sand was mixed with river water for pumping, saline and alum water seeped into the fields, causing crop damage.
The People’s Committee of Hau Giang Province is working with contractors to speed up compensation payments to affected households.
