Investors of hydropower projects must be responsible for supporting people in the project area in Sa Pa town.

On the afternoon of June 26, Sa Pa Town People's Committee organized a meeting and dialogue with investors of hydropower projects in the town.

In Sa Pa town, there are currently 21 hydropower projects with a total capacity of about 286.3 MW. Of these, 11 projects have been put into operation with a total capacity of 211.7 MW; 2 projects are under construction; 2 projects are temporarily suspended to complete legal procedures; 6 projects have been approved for planning, the Provincial People's Committee is researching and surveying to request investment policies.

In 2023, the electricity output of hydropower plants will reach 841.3 million kWh and in the first 6 months of 2024 it is estimated to reach 429 million kWh.

During operation, hydropower plants have followed the correct procedures for dam safety, natural disaster prevention, storms and floods, environmental protection, and forest protection. The implementation of projects has complied with the provisions of the Investment Law, Construction Law, Electricity Law, current guiding documents, and is consistent with the planning and orientation of local socio-economic development.

Delegates exchanged and discussed the construction and operation process of hydroelectric plants in the town.

However, hydropower projects also have a significant impact on the lives of people in the project area. The planning, construction, operation and approval of some projects are not suitable. Some projects are behind schedule compared to the initial investment decision, and have to request progress adjustments many times. The main reason is due to problems with compensation and site clearance. Some investors have not complied with the law, have not been proactive and have not focused resources on project implementation. Hydropower construction reduces the area of local natural forests, but reforestation has not been carried out accordingly.

At the meeting and dialogue, Comrade To Ngoc Lien, Chairman of Sa Pa Town People's Committee requested investors to fully comply with legal regulations during the investment, construction and operation of the project; focus resources, speed up the project implementation progress. Strictly comply with legal regulations on the environment, ensure good disaster response for the project during construction and operation. Functional agencies and localities closely coordinate and support investors to effectively implement compensation and support policies when reclaiming land, contributing to creating a favorable investment environment.

In addition, hydropower plants need to coordinate well with local authorities to strengthen propaganda, contact and dialogue with people in the project area according to the motto "Do not fear people, do not avoid people". Ensure good political security, social order and safety, fire prevention and fighting. Actively support and carry out social security work well for people in difficult circumstances in the project area.