The Dong Nai government is intent on shutting down Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park, which is considered the main cause of the pollution on the Dong Nai River. In 2009, the then-prime minister approved the industrial park’s shutdown and the relocation of enterprises in the park, but the project remains stagnant, sparking public concern, according to Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper.

A corner of Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park

As of October 12, some factories in the industrial park were still operational. Residents nearby complained that the industrial park has caused not only water pollution on the Dong Nai River but also air pollution.

According to urban experts, the industrial park’s infrastructure has deteriorated and its untreated wastewater and exhaust fumes are directly discharged into the environment. Meanwhile, the industrial park is located in one of the most developed areas in Bien Hoa City, with national highways, expressways and metro lines passing through it.

Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park, which has a total area of 323 hectares, is home to more than 80 enterprises, with half of them holding land lease contracts that are valid until 2050. Enterprises in the industrial park discharge over 9,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, but only one-ninth of that volume is treated at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park.

The Dong Nai Government had earlier assigned Sonadezi Corporation to curb the environmental pollution and transform Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park into a commercial-service-urban complex, which required an investment of more than VND15 trillion (US$642.3 million), including nearly VND7.6 trillion for site clearance and compensation, some VND2.5 trillion for construction and VND1.3 trillion for supporting enterprises and laborers. It was planned to be executed in three phases and completed by 2025.

However, the project has not progressed as enterprises in the industrial park have not reached an agreement on relocation, seeking more assistance instead. In general, the project has been delayed mainly due to disagreements over compensation.

Besides this, some experts proposed hiring an independent consulting firm to appraise the value of enterprises in the industrial park. However, the issues regarding appraisal methods and time needed as well as price escalation have yet to be addressed.

The project has also faced difficulties in creating policies for laborers at the industrial park during the relocation of their work spaces.

At a recent meeting of the Standing Board of the Dong Nai Party Committee, Nguyen Phu Cuong, secretary of the provincial Party Committee and chairman of the provincial People’s Council, stressed that the industrial park has caused severe pollution on the Dong Nai River, affecting millions of people in the southeastern region. As a result, the province will focus on the relocation of enterprises in the industrial park first rather than converting its function.

SGT