Former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang told the ministry’s Party Civil Affairs Committee that he was willing to take responsibility for the environmental pollution caused by Taiwanese steel company Formosa and accept all disciplinary measures. 

That was announced at a press conference by deputy minister Chu Pham Ngoc Hien, who said that despite having retired, the former minister still took responsibility for the accident occurring during his office term of minister and secretary of the committee.

Former minister Nguyen Minh Quang has no longer been member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and not subject to responsibility review, said Mr. Hien.

The committee has proposed not to hold deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan in charge environment responsible for Formosa environment disaster because he assumed office only few days before the accident occurred, revealed Mr. Hien.

According to deputy Minister Hien, the ministry bears part of responsibility for law enforcement in the case however it could not supervise the activity in all localities across the country.

Therefore, the main responsibility for the Formosa caused pollution belongs to the north central province of Ha Tinh where the steel company locates. 

At present, the ministry is waiting for conclusions from the Central Inspection Commission that has worked to make clear responsibilities of relevant teams and individuals in both  the current and previous tenures.

SGGP