Many people in Trung Tu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, have blamed Hanoi Medical University Hospital for discharging sewage and polluting Lu River.

Lu River severely polluted

The residents discovered the discharge on March 16 and quickly reported it to the municipal authorities, local police and the hospital. However, the local authorities haven't been able to determine where the discharged water is from.

Chu Thi Hoa, a local in Trung Tu Ward, said, "Our house is near the river so our life has been turned upside down. The smell is unbearable."

According to Hoa, they do not dare to hang clothes outside and have to use perfumed candles to cover the foul smell. Households with elderly and children find it even more difficult. Some families have already planned to move to relatives.

The discharged water on March 19 into Lu River still has a yellowish colour and can be clearly seen from afar. Trung Tu Ward People's Committee have investigated the case and held a meeting with representatives of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Environment Protection.

Nguyen Van Can from Hanoi Medical University said this was only a rare accident. The university hired another company to clean the septic tanks for the student dormitories. However, an accident happened and the university was told that the water leaked into Lu River.

The university already cleaned up the sewers and asked the related parties to find out the cause of the leak. Can admitted that they didn't have anyone monitor the scene when the accident occurred. However, the university couldn't provide their contract with the septic tank cleaning and pumping company.

The authorities of Trung Tu Ward ordered the university to provide required papers by March 20. Trung Tu Vice Chairman Dang Minh Chinh said they would investigate the causes of the pollution. The Sewage And Water Drainage Company 4 has sent employees to deal with the pollution.

Dtinews/VNA