Promptly resolving irrigation issues for Mển hamlet residents

ĐBP - During the renovation works on National Highway 12, the irrigation canal system serving rice paddies in Mển and Hua Ná hamlets (Thanh Nưa commune, Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province) was affected.

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.

The rice fields of Mển hamlet have dried up due to lack of water.

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.

The soil on the fields is cracked from drought.

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.

The pipeline is installed as a replacement for the concrete irrigation canal.

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.

Due to insufficient slope, the installed pipeline fails to supply water to lower fields, while the upper fields at the beginning of the system have excess water.

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.

Phạm Quang
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Protecting children from negative impacts of social media

    Protecting children from negative impacts of social media

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In the digital age, social media has become an indispensable part of daily life, even for children and teenagers. While it offers many opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, if not properly guided, social media can also pose significant risks, affecting children's psychological and emotional development.
  • 'Warmth from “Khăn Quàng Đỏ” houses

    Warmth from “Khăn Quàng Đỏ” houses

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Through small fundraising activities by team members and the joint efforts of the community, the “Khăn Quàng Đỏ” (Red Scarf) houses have been built across the province. These warm houses, dedicated to poor students, have provided them with motivation, helping them overcome challenges in life and study, becoming well-behaved children and good students, loyal to Uncle Hồ.
  • 'Mường Lay sets national record for traditional white Thái stilt houses

    Mường Lay sets national record for traditional white Thái stilt houses

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - On the morning of May 8, the people’s committee of Mường Lay town, Điện Biên province, in coordination with the Vietnam records organization, held a ceremony at the Mechanical Wharf of Mường Lay to announce the Vietnam record “The town with the highest density of traditional stilt houses of the white Thái ethnic group in Vietnam”.
  • 'Active preparation made for Party congress

    Active preparation made for Party congress

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The Party congress of the Project Management Board for Civil and Industrial Works of Điện Biên province for the second term (2025-2030) is scheduled to take place in mid-May. To ensure the success of the event, the agency’s Party Committee has been focusing on completing all preparatory work, including documents, personnel, material conditions, and communications.
  • 'Pride on the historic land

    Pride on the historic land

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On the land that marked the “famous victory that shook the world,” the youth of Điện Biên are continuing the path paved by their ancestors with deep pride and a strong aspiration to rise. In the rhythm of Điện Biên province that is changing day by day, the spirit of Điện Biên Phủ remains a sacred flame that fosters the will, love for the country, and responsibility of the younger generation for their homeland and the nation.
  • 'Uncle Hồ in the heart of Điện Biên’s people

    Uncle Hồ in the heart of Điện Biên’s people

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP -  Although President Hồ Chí Minh passed away 56 years ago, his image and the stories about him still reside deeply in the hearts of people of Điện Biên province in particular, and of all ethnic communities in the Northwestern region in general. Every May, as his birthday approaches, thousands of hearts stir with sacred reverence and infinite gratitude, renewing their vow to follow his teachings.
  • 'Điện Biên after 71 years of liberation

    Điện Biên after 71 years of liberation

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - From a land ravaged by bombs and bullets, after 71 years marked by a historic victory, Điện Biên province has undergone a remarkable transformation in all areas and has become one of the fastest-growing provinces in the northern midlands and mountainous region of Vietnam.
  • 'Ready for flag raising ceremony at A Pa Chải Flagpole

    Ready for flag raising ceremony at A Pa Chải Flagpole

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - The flag raising ceremony and the installation of a plaque at the A Pa Chải Flagpole - the border point of three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and China will take place on May 7 at Sín Thầu commune, Mường Nhé district, Điện Biên province. This event holds special significance as it marks the 71st anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2025), and preparations are being quickly completed by relevant agencies and units to ensure a solemn and meaningful ceremony.
  • 'Điện Biên to ensure electricity supply

    Điện Biên to ensure electricity supply

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In response to Official Dispatch No.49/CĐ-TTg dated April 23, 2025, from the Prime Minister regarding the implementation of decisive, coordinated, and effective solutions to ensure electricity supply during the peak period of 2025 and in the future, the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee has instructed all departments, agencies, localities, and relevant units to urgently implement their assigned tasks in a serious and effective manner. This is to ensure a flexible response to the electricity supply situation and to meet the needs of the public and production activities in the region.
  • 'Điện Biên hosts AI Day

    Điện Biên hosts AI Day

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - The AI Day, organized by the People’s Committee of Điện Biên province in collaboration with STEAM for Vietnam and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, took place on May 6 at the provincial Conference and Cultural Center.
  • 'Back to home - Back to hope

    Back to home - Back to hope

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP -  Presidential amnesty is a profound expression of the Vietnamese Party and State’s humanitarian and tolerant policy toward prisoners who have shown sincere remorse, worked hard, and demonstrated efforts to reform during their incarceration. Being granted clemency and released before the end of a prison term is not just a legal leniency- it’s a new beginning. It opens the door to a second chance at life, where those who once strayed have the opportunity to rebuild their future with courage and hope for change.
  • 'Provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường extends Vesak greetings to local Buddhist community

    Provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường extends Vesak greetings to local Buddhist community

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP -  On the morning of May 5, in celebration of Vesak Day (Buddhist Calendar 2569) and the 2025 retreat season, Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee Trần Quốc Cường, accompanied by provincial People’s Council Chairman Lò Văn Phương, Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Mùa A Vảng, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lò Văn Cương, and representatives of various provincial departments and agencies, paid a visit to the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Điện Biên province at Linh Quang Pagoda, located in Thanh Nưa commune, Điện Biên district.