VietNamNet Bridge – The People’s Committee of the north central province of Quang Tri has made a decision to allocate Vinh Linh district an extra of VND61.6 billion (US$2.7 million) in compensation for the sea environment disaster caused by Taiwanese steel company Formosa early last year.

Citizens receive compensation in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province (Photo: SGGP)

The funds will be given to affected citizens in the district in accordance with regulations by the Prime Minister.

Formerly in the first compensation phase, the district received VND33 billion ($1.45 million) to pay fishing boat owners and crew members, seafood breeders in Vinh Thai, Vinh Thach communes and Cua Tung town.

So far, Vinh Linh has got VND94.6 billion in compensation for the environment disaster.

Ha Tinh based Formosa released wastewater into the sea, killing fish en masse in April last year and heavily damaging four north central provinces including Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Ha Tinh.

After the accident, Formosa leaders offered an apology to the Vietnamese Government and citizens.

The company has transferred US$500 million in compensation to the Government who has allocated the money to the provinces to pay affected citizens and restore sea environment.

Formosa has been forced to build wastewater treatment system meeting standards to resume production.

SGGP