Authorities' ability questioned after toxic waste case

On September 23, Thanh Hoa Province People's Committee held a press conference about the case in which a pesticide manufacturer dumped untreated chemicals into the area.

 

Thousands of people wait for justice 

Representatives from various state agencies, as well as representatives from Nicotex Thanh Thai Company, attended the conference. Leaders of Thanh Hoa Province said they have reported the case to the Prime Minister.

When asked why Nicotex Company was fined without being prosecuted, Nguyen Duc Quyen, vice chairman of Thanh Hoa People's Committee said they applied a maximum fine, however, the police need to carry out proper procedures and gather evidence before they can prosecute anyone. Quyen further said that they are still unable to dig up the buried chemicals because of a lack of equipment.

 

The people set up a donation box to deal with environment pollution

Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa Province authorities have asked other agencies to help them deal with the environmental problems and the locals' health. In addition, the local Department of Science and Technology must take responsibility for granting a license to Nicotex Company in the first place.

Quyen was also challenged by public concerns and doubts about the local authorities' ability and credibility because Nicotex Company had buried untreated chemicals for decades without being discovered.

He said, "I didn't received any reports about this problem from the local Department of Natural Resources and Environment, or from the authorities of Cam Thuy District. Individual responsibility must be made clear, for example when did the people make the report and why  wasn't it dealt with immediately. All agencies, even the Department of Public Security and Department of Health, must take responsibility."

 

 Discovered chemicals

Chairman of Cam Thuy District People's Committee, Pham Van Tien, then admitted to their weak management. "We've only been able to meet with  the company's leaders since the case was discovered. Moreover, environmental impact assessment is not part of our mandate. The company must be moved or else the people won't ever feel safe again." he said.

 

 Director of Nicotex Thanh Thai Company apologises to the people

Answering questions about role of the police, Colonel Khuong Duy Oanh, deputy head of Thanh Hoa Province Department of Public Security, said they are quickly gathering information and evidence for prosecution.

Director of Nicotex Company, Nguyen Dinh Thong has apologised to the people and has sworn that Nicotex will follow every approved environmental remediation plan down to the last detail. 

By Duy Tuyen | dtinews.vn