VietNamNet Bridge – Soil sedimentation is expanding in Vinh Hy Bay in the central province of Ninh Thuan, causing difficulties for waterway vessels, especially fishing boats and passenger boats.

When tide goes out, sand can be seen on almost two thirds of the water surface in Vinh Hy Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo Cong Thu

Local residents said the sedimentation started years ago and blamed it on the construction of Vinh Hy Bridge and soil and stones swept from Lo O spring when it rained.

They said that when the tide went out, sand could be seen on almost two-third of the water surface. When the tide reached its peak, the water level was just from 1.5 metres to 2 metres.

Le Van Phai, a tour boat pilot, said the bay had narrowed because of sedimentation and aquaculture farms.

Larger boats found it hard to enter the bay making tourists think twice about taking trips, he said.

Tran Van Hong, a manager at Vinh Hy Resort, said that due to serious sedimentation, they needed to carefully time when they sent boats out so they didn’t get stuck.

Tran Van Nam, chairman of Vinh Hai Commune People’s Committee, said that it was estimated there were dozens of thousands of cubic metres of sand and soil sediment in the bay.

The committee had reported the problem to higher authorities but so far, the provincial People’s Committee had yet to come up with a plan to dredge the bay.

“Vinh Hy Bay is among the most popular tourist destinations in the province and during stormy season, it provides a shelter for fishing boats,” Nam said, adding that the bay would lose its attraction if the sedimentation continued.

Source: VNS