Dakwaco proposed to return 24 water supply projects in Buon Ma Thuot city for local own reception and operation.
These projects were completed in the period from 2001 to 2022, with the Buon Ma Thuot City Project Management Board as the investor, handing over to Dakwaco for management, operation and exploitation.
Now that Dakwaco has proposed to return it, the Project Management Board does not have the function or expertise to receive and directly operate the water supply system.
Regarding business activities and water supply in Dak Lak, there are quite complicated issues.
According to the 2018 equitization decision of Dak Lak province for Dak Lak Water Supply and Construction Investment Company Limited, the state holds 36% of shares, while the private sector owns more than 58%.
In 2019, this enterprise officially changed to a joint stock company model and changed its name to Dak Lak Water Supply Joint Stock Company (Dakwaco).
After equitization, Dakwaco uses free water pipeline infrastructure invested by the state for business, profits but does not have to pay infrastructure rental fees or refund initial investment costs to the state.
Dakwaco uses free state infrastructure to invest in business, but water prices continue to increase sharply, making people angry. In just 4 years, water prices in Buon Ma Thuot city have increased by 60%.
Not to mention, although the state has invested in many water pipes, by April 2025, these items have not been added to the equitization plan to increase the State's capital contribution in enterprises.
For the problems in Dakwaco, Dak Lak province needs to completely resolve 3 issues.
First of all, it is necessary to control water prices, and cannot let water prices increase arbitrarily or unreasonably.
Second, determine that assets including works and water pipeline infrastructure invested by the state are being managed by Dakwaco. These assets need to be included in the state's capital contribution.
Third, individuals and units related to equitization activities must be responsible for not including state assets to calculate capital increase.
Regarding Dakwaco's proposal to return water supply works that were used to operate and exploit but were forgotten when equitizing, it needs to be handled seriously.
It seems that Dakwaco is "playing a spark" with the government, because it considers itself a holding company providing water, if it returns the works, no other unit will be able to operate.
Dak Lak province needs to resolve this issue clearly, ensure the rights of businesses, prevent loss of state assets and provide clean water services to people at reasonable prices.
