For many years, the Dak Bla River has flowed through Kon Tum Ward and Dak Ro Wa Commune with many mineral exploitation and gathering points of enterprises. During the dry season, boats suck sand along both banks; during the flood season, boat owners increase dredging in the middle of the river and on the alluvial plains.
Large draghts are deep into the riverbed, sucking up hundreds of blocks of golden sand for trucks to take in line to transport for consumption in Gia Lai and Quang Ngai.
Ms. Tran Thi Lai (a resident of Kon Tum ward) said: "The sand suction boat creates many deep, messy holes. The exploitation with high frequency has caused the river to widen, and during the dry season, there are countless large and small sand holes... In some sections of the river, it has eaten deep into the mainland, less than 30 meters from the Kon Tum bypass.
Previously, local people reported that sand mining on the Dak Bla River is at risk of "swallowing" the land of villages and communes. During the rainy season, rising river water also washes away crops and trees along the shore.
On the Dak Bla River, there are many enterprises granted operating licenses such as: Thanh Son Company Limited, Tan Hung Joint Stock Company, Dat Tai Trading - Service Cooperative (Tan Tien Cooperative has expired its operating license and stopped exploitation).
Regarding the management of mineral resources, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Giang - Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ngai province - requested communes and wards to seriously implement plans to protect unexploited minerals.
The grassroots government must arrange forces to be on duty 24/7 and set up hotlines to receive and promptly handle violations. When detecting or receiving reports, they must urgently clear and prevent illegal mining activities; in cases beyond their authority, they must be reported to the Provincial People's Committee for final handling.
Communes are also required to step up propaganda, dissemination of laws, and mobilize people not to participate or assist in illegal mineral exploitation, purchasing, and transportation; at the same time, promptly detect and report violations.
The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai province coordinates with sectors and localities to review and handle licenses that are not in accordance with regulations, revoke or terminate their validity when necessary; at the same time, coordinate with the Tax authority to determine financial obligations and fully collect them into the budget.
The provincial Department of Construction is assigned to advise on planning and licensing mineral gathering and trading wharves; strictly control the supply and demand of sand and gravel to limit shortages and push up prices.
