Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects: Land acquisition delays and resident concerns contrast with smoother progress elsewhere

Land acquisition for Vietnam's Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project is lagging, with only 8.3% of compensation disbursed and 22.1% of land cleared. Out of 1,129 affected households in Phuoc Dinh commune, plans have been made for 854, but the process of payment and land recovery remains slow.

Residents like Tran Van My, who invested over 10 billion dong in his seafood farming ponds, are ready to relocate but emphasize the need for accurate asset assessment and fair compensation reflecting their actual investments. The relocation of 570 graves has been completed, and while 33.5 hectares have been allocated for resettlement, the remaining 32.1 hectares are still being processed.

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The state has decided, so the people will follow. I only hope that our children will have jobs in their hometowns later, not be unemployed. Along with the project, transportation infrastructure, schools, health facilities, and commercial-commercial services need to be invested in so that people can feel secure with their new lives.

Meanwhile, the Ninh Thuan 2 project in Vinh Hai commune is progressing more smoothly, with compensation and resettlement plans approved for 98.6% of the 841 affected cases, totaling 1,767 billion dong. However, for residents like Nguyen Trung, the focus is on future livelihoods, job opportunities, and the development of local infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities to ensure a stable new life.

Nguyen Thi Phuc, also from Vinh Hai, highlighted that many households rely on farming and aquaculture. She expressed concern that compensation alone might not suffice without alternative income sources, hoping the nuclear project will create long-term employment. Nguyen Van Que, Chairman of Vinh Hai Commune People's Committee, confirmed general public agreement with state compensation policies but stressed the need for alternative livelihoods alongside financial compensation.

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Many households also wish for resettlement to be implemented soon so they can proactively build their new lives. Fair compensation is most important for families investing in agricultural production and aquaculture.