The construction company replaced the original concrete canals with plastic pipes; however, due to inappropriate design, water could not flow into the fields, causing drought. The authorities urgently need effective solutions to address this issue, safeguarding the livelihoods of the residents.

From National Highway 12, everyone can clearly see the rice paddies of Mển hamlet turning yellow and withering. The soil beneath the fields is cracked deeply due to dryness. The lack of irrigation water has left residents helpless as they watch their crops die. This marks the third consecutive crop severely impacted by drought, significantly worsening living conditions.

Guiding us through the dry rice fields, Lường Văn Khánh, head of Mển hamlet, explained: Previously, the concrete canal system built by the state effectively irrigated over 20 hectares of rice fields in Mển and Hua Ná. However, at the end of 2023, during the construction and repair works on the segment Km182+700 - Km189+320 of National Highway 12, part of the irrigation system was damaged. Although replaced with HDPE plastic pipes, the insufficient slope prevented water from reaching fields in Mển, while Hua Ná experienced excess water. Consequently, residents in Mển suffered severe losses over three consecutive crops, with yields declining by 50-70% on more than 15 hectares.

Despite numerous discussions between local authorities, residents, and the project investor, solutions remain unresolved due to disputes over land compensation. Initially, Lường Văn Ún demanded a compensation of VND 5 million per square meter for 60 square meters of land, totaling VND 300 million. After several negotiations, he agreed to VND 80 million, but the agreement has yet to be finalized.

Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, Chairman of the Thanh Nưa commune People’s Committee, stated: Although the project impacted 15 households, there were no funds allocated for compensation. Most households agreed through local advocacy; however, disagreement between Ún’s family and the contractor delayed the rebuilding of the canal. Consequently, the contractor installed the HDPE pipes despite warnings from local authorities and residents that the system would fail. Reality confirmed that the pipes were inadequate, leading to agricultural losses.

Following residents’ complaints, the provincial Department of Transport instructed the Road Maintenance Board to inspect the situation. Document No. 2122/SGTVT-BBTĐB dated August 30, 2024, acknowledged that 350 meters of the canal were replaced with HDPE pipes due to land clearance issues. According to Phạm Văn Phúc, Director of the Road Maintenance Board, the pipe system initially functioned but later was blocked by stones thrown in by unknown individuals. Efforts are ongoing to find a permanent solution.

On December 20, 2024, the provincial Department of Transport issued Document No. 3416/SGTVT-BBTĐB, advising Thanh Nưa commune to manage water distribution effectively, continue negotiations with Ún’s family, and report unresolved issues to Điện Biên district authorities for further action. Upon clearing land-related issues, the Department will coordinate canal reconstruction to ensure irrigation efficiency.

Persistent water shortages not only reduce agricultural productivity but also cause frustration within the Mển and Hua Ná communities. Temporary fixes using plastic pipes proved insufficient, while reconstruction efforts remain stalled due to unresolved land issues. Immediate, coordinated actions from relevant authorities and residents are crucial to effectively resolve this matter, ensuring reliable irrigation, agricultural stability, and sustainable livelihoods. Resolving these bottlenecks swiftly will prevent prolonged issues that undermine public trust and local social stability.