While wastewater is threatening the environment in Hanoi, a wastewater treatment facility has been abandoned for a decade in Thanh Tri District. 

Hanoi has the largest number of craft villages in the country. According to the statistics from the local Department of Industry and Trade in 2014, Hanoi had about 1,350 craft villages, of which 286 are recognised as traditional villages. Hanoi Environmental Protection Agency pointed out that river, lake and even groundwater in these areas are severely polluted.

The locals in Trieu Khuc Village admitted that their activities can cause pollution, but they continue the work because they do not know what else to do. The job has been passed on for generations. They refuse to treat their wastewater because it would cost them in electricity and there is no punishment for discharging untreated water.

The wastewater treatment facility at the industrial complex in Tan Trieu Commune was built in 2007 at the cost of VND1.3bn (USD55,500). It has the capacity to deal with 500 cubic metres of wastewater a day and was expected to be the main wastewater treatment plants for the traditional villages in the area but has never been put into operation.

The electrical system and equipment are covered in dust and become rusty over the years. The water in the tanks turned blackish and has a foul smell. The equipment and technology are outdated now so the chance for it to be used is close to none.

Many households in Tan Trieu Commune work in textile and plastic waste recycling.

Some photos of the facility:

dtinews