Information from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long province, Thanh Long islet previously had a natural area of about 40ha. However, from 2016 to now, this area has lost about 10ha due to landslides.
According to functional sectors, the area of Thanh Long islet decreases by an average of about 1ha per year. This situation is identified as related to high tides and inconsistent geological characteristics in the area.
Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had proposed an investment plan of about 150 billion VND to handle landslides at Thanh Long islet. However, through preliminary surveys and assessments, the solution is considered ineffective because the riverbed is too deep.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Le Quang Rang - Deputy Director of Vinh Long Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment - said that in the face of the above reality, the province has proposed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to study a new plan.
Accordingly, Thanh Long islet is proposed to be converted into a material storage yard serving key projects. This plan is being researched and considered by functional agencies based on actual conditions.
The conversion also raises the requirement to develop a plan to relocate people living on Thanh Long islet. Through exchanges, people basically agreed with the policy and wish to be guaranteed stable living conditions.
Mr. Phan Thanh Minh - a resident of Quoi Thien commune - said that his family has lived on Thanh Long islet for decades, built houses and developed fruit orchards including grapefruit, coconut, and mango.
Regarding the landslide situation in recent years and the relocation policy, I agree. If the State recovers land, I hope to be arranged for resettlement, support for foundations and housing so that families as well as people can feel secure in their future lives," Mr. Minh said.
Sharing the same wish, Mr. Tran Thanh Tuan (born in 1963) said that he came to live on Thanh Long islet from 1975. Currently, his family grows green-skinned pomelos on an area of about 6,400m2, after many years of landslides, the yield of the garden has decreased significantly.
Previously, his family grew longan, then switched to green-skinned grapefruit, with an income of about 250 million VND per year. If he has to relocate, he hopes the support level will be implemented in accordance with regulations and be sufficient to create a new life.
If the State can build solid dykes, we still want to stay. If we have to return to the mainland, we agree and hope for appropriate support to have more capital and stabilize our lives in the new place," Mr. Tuan shared.
Mr. Le Van Tron (49 years old, Quoi Thien commune) said that his family has 4,000m2 of green-skinned pomelo land. Due to landslides, he has returned to the mainland to live for nearly 10 years, returning every week to take care of the garden and agreeing to relocate, hoping for appropriate support.
Leaving the place that has been attached for many years is certainly not easy for the people of Thanh Long islet. However, people still show consensus, hoping that the next plans will be carefully calculated and suitable to reality.
From the policy of conversion to the relocation plan, people expect the implementation process to harmonize between the requirements of serving key projects and the long-term life of households here.
