Ninh Thuan Province is transforming former nuclear plant sites into productive zones with infrastructure projects that allow residents to resume farming and improve their quality of life.
Vinh Truong Village in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District, was initially selected as the site for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant. However, in late 2016, the National Assembly passed a resolution to suspend the project. In mid-July 2023, Ninh Thuan Province officially cancelled the land reclamation order, allowing the province to invest in infrastructure, reallocate land, and address the pressing needs of local residents.
As observed by VietNamNet reporters in early November, many families along the road to Vinh Truong Village have repaired or rebuilt their homes.
Cao Ngoc Lieu, 40, explained, "With our children growing up, we needed more living space. As soon as we were permitted to build, we decided to renovate for a more stable life."
Nguyen Thi Mat, 60, who was born and raised in Vinh Truong, noted that, under the previous plan, she was restricted from dividing her land for her children. She also couldn’t transfer or mortgage it to fund business activities. "Now, with the planning cancelled, everyone is focusing on improving their livelihoods," she added, while processing seaweed with her son to sell to local traders.
Vinh Truong Village is home to over 247 households with nearly 1,000 residents. Since the province cancelled the land reclamation order more than a year ago, many locals have made plans to invest in their livelihoods, such as restoring ponds for shrimp and snail farming.
Infrastructure improvements, including upgraded roads, have made it easier for residents to travel within the village. The former signboard for the nuclear power plant project, previously displayed in front of the village’s community center, has been removed after deteriorating over time.
In Phuoc Dinh Commune, the government is implementing six new projects, including two central government-funded projects totaling VND 121 billion (approx. USD 5 million). These include the expansion of an old defense road (Route 701), extending it 3.7 kilometers, and constructing three new roads to connect Route 701 with the coastal route.
A second nuclear power plant had been planned for Thai An Village in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, on a 380-hectare plot about 35 kilometers from the first plant site. The project initially affected 823 households.
To help residents recover and establish long-term stability, the Ninh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee has recently invested in a series of infrastructure projects in Thai An. These include the ongoing construction of the Bau Tro reservoir upgrade to secure water supply for agricultural production.
Nguyen Han, the head of Thai An Village, explained that residents initially supported the nuclear power project but became uncertain after years of delays, leaving 830 households with a combined 2,850 residents in a state of limbo. "Only after the land reclamation was cancelled has the village regained stability. Many households have since been able to repair or rebuild their homes,” Han said.
Nguyen Van Man, a resident of Thai An, shared that while people were allowed to farm, they were hesitant to make major investments due to the fear of potential land clearance. Now, with the land reclamation order lifted, he and other residents can make future plans with confidence.
Thai An is a region with a strong agricultural focus, where residents cultivate grapes, apples, onions, and garlic, as well as engage in fishing. The village is especially known for its grape farming, with over 182 hectares of grapevines, making it an increasingly popular destination for domestic and international tourists visiting Ninh Thuan.
In a recent visit, Nguyen Thi Lot, 58, was seen inspecting her 7,000 square meter vineyard.
Speaking with VietNamNet, Ngo Viet Kinh Luan, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Hai Commune, described how previous restrictions had prevented locals from investing in agriculture or housing, leading to significant difficulties. Transactions, land subdivisions, and mortgages were all prohibited, which created numerous challenges. Many families with grown children who wanted to live independently could not divide land for new homes.
According to Luan, after the province’s decision to cancel the land reclamation, the local government began issuing essential land-use rights and providing certifications for land transfers, inheritance, conversions, and mortgage registrations to help residents achieve stability.
Vietnamnet.vn
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