On June 27, speaking with Lao Dong, Chairman of Vinh Thanh District People's Committee To Hieu Trung said that at 5:00 a.m. the same day, he directly inspected the scene of many trees in the premises of Vinh Kim Commune People's Committee being cut down in violation of regulations.
"Through inspection, it was determined that there were 5 trees that were cut down with a diameter of 10-30cm, a height of about 4m, and an estimated total of about 0.6m3 of wood," Mr. Trung informed.
According to Mr. Trung, all of these trees are planted in the premises of the headquarters of the People's Committee of Vinh Kim commune, which are public assets managed by the State, with the function of creating shade and improving the environment. The act of commune officials arbitrarily cutting down and selling trees without permission is against regulations.
Previously, the commune officials bought the fallen trees to plant in 2016, claiming that they were their own trees, so they arbitrarily cut down and sold them. However, when trees are planted in the premises of State agencies, they belong to public property and cannot be arbitrarily cut down or sold. Through initial information, the incident involved Mr. D.N - Vice Chairman of Vinh Kim Commune People's Council.
"After receiving feedback about some trees in the Vinh Kim Commune People's Committee headquarters being cut down and being negotiated for sale at about 1 million VND/tree, I have directed the Chairman of the Commune People's Committee to immediately stop cutting down, and at the same time request a report to explain and clarify the responsibilities of related individuals," said Mr. Trung.
According to the Chairman of Vinh Thanh District People's Committee, through working, the commune officials involved have recognized the violation, admitted their shortcomings and pledged to take responsibility. At the same time, it is committed to buying native trees to plant instead at the locations that have just been cut down.
"The number of trees that have been cut down is still within the commune headquarters, not yet traded or bought and sold, only stopping at negotiating at about 1 million VND/tree. We are reviewing the nature and extent of the incident to have a suitable handling direction according to regulations," said Mr. Trung.
Mr. Trung added that the locality will soon complete the procedures for establishing public assets for 5 fallen cajuput trees. Then organize a public auction, the collected amount is paid into the State budget.
