Billion-dollar project behind schedule
The Ea Tam irrigation reservoir project in Tu An ward, invested by the People's Committee of Buon Ma Thuot city (Dak Lak), has a total capital of nearly 1,500 billion VND from the central and local budgets.
The project is expected to become a highlight of the city, providing domestic water for about 25,000 people, irrigating 250 hectares of crops and agricultural trees. The irrigation lake has an area of 31.6 hectares, with a capacity of 1.77 million m³ of water.
The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 (2017 - 2020) focuses on clearing the lake bed, the surrounding roads and main items; Phase 2 (2021 - 2024) implements clearing the connecting roads, installing drainage and lighting systems. However, now in 2025, many items are still unfinished, affecting people's lives.
Ms. Doan Thi Dieu (70 years old), a resident near the construction site, shared: "My house is only 150m from the construction site, and every day I witness the dust flying everywhere. I have received compensation for more than a year now but I still cannot repair my house because the project is not completed yet."
Previously, Ms. Dieu received nearly 2 billion VND in compensation but still could not stabilize her life. Some households have not relocated because they believe the compensation is not satisfactory and affects their rights.
Problems in site clearance
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Thien - Director of Construction Company 470 (under Army Corps 12) confirmed that the unit is the representative of the joint venture contractor for the construction of the Ea Tam irrigation reservoir project (phase 2). The project has 5 contractors. Currently, the project site work still has some problems. Among them, there is a spiritual work located in the project area, which needs to be relocated to ensure the progress of phase 2 construction. The investor is coordinating with the local people to resolve it in accordance with the wishes of the people.
"In the coming time, we will focus our resources, determined to work day and night to complete the set progress. In phase 2 of this project, we will mainly carry out dredging of the lake bed and building embankments. We will strive to complete the entire work by March 2026," added Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Thien.
Mr. Nguyen Hai Dong - Director of Ea Tam Irrigation Reservoir Project Management - said: "The investor has asked the competent authority to adjust the progress of phase 1 of the project to 2025. Currently, the project adjustment and site clearance work is being vigorously implemented. It is true that the irrigation project has encountered some obstacles leading to delays. However, under the strong direction of the City People's Committee, we are continuing to complete phase 1. At the same time, we require the contractor to implement phase 2 to ensure progress and complete the project according to the set milestone."
Mr. Vu Van Hung - Chairman of Buon Ma Thuot City People's Committee - emphasized: "Ea Tam irrigation lake is built in the direction of combining with the construction of new urban chains, cultural service areas, sports, commercial areas, resort areas...
The project is still facing many difficulties and problems related to site clearance. However, with the drastic participation of the entire city's political system, we are determined to completely resolve the remaining issues to bring the project to the finish line in 2026."
