Authorities in the central city of Danang have just allowed two polluting steel firms to resume operation, despite opposition from local people.

Deputy chairman of Danang City People's Committee, Ho Ky Minh speaks at a meeting with local people in Hoa Vang District about the reopening of Dana-Italy and Dana- Australia steel plants on March 26

At a Monday meeting with local people in Hoa Vang District, the Danang People's Committee announced that they have given permission to the Dana-Italy and Dana-Australia steel plants to reopen beginning today to "process the materials in stock."

Speaking at the meeting, vice chairman of the committee, Ho Ky Minh, said that the the two plants would be closed and relocated after finishing the outstanding work.

"We decided to give the two plants six months to process their stockpiles to reduce their losses following their proposals," Minh explained, adding that they would tightly monitor their activities to ensure that there will be no environmental violations.

The announcement was immediately opposed by local people who said they had had enough from the plants activities and they should never be allowed to resume operations again.

"We believe that the environment will be affected after they resume operation," a local told the meeting. "If they will have to close and move, they should stop right now."

The Dana-Italy and Dana-Australia were temporarily suspended production in February 28 following complaints from local people about their threat to the environment. 

Earlier, on February 26 evening, hundreds of people in Hoa Lien Commune gathered at the two plants, blocking the gates. 

According to local people, the two plants seriously polluted the environment for the past 10 years with their wastewater. The problems had been reported to leaders of the city who pledged to move 50% of the households to other places by the end of 2017.

At a meeting with local people on February 28, Minh said that it was very difficult to find a solution to the case.

"Relocating the plants and the households will both face lots of challenges due to our lack of land," Minh said. "Meanwhile, closing the plants means that we have to pay huge amounts of compensation."

Minh's explanation angered local people who said the city should choose to protect its people rather than the plants.

Dtinews