The Prime Minister has given directions concerning funding for resettlement as part of the Son La hydropower plant project.

Accordingly, under Decision 2009/QD-TTg issued on November 4, 2013, the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) is required to ensure that more than 2.9 trillion VND (130.5 million USD) will be distributed for resettling residents, who used to live on the sites of the hydropower plant in Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau.

Two villagers from La Na village build their new house.

Over 2.05 trillion VND (92.25 million USD) from the fund will be channelled into Son La, 675 billion VND (30.4 million USD) into Dien Bien, and more than 182.7 billion VND (8.2 million USD) into Lai Chau.

With a total investment of 60 trillion VND (2.7 billion USD), the Son La Hydropower Plant is capable of generating 2,400 MW. The plant was officially put into operation on December 23, 2012, after seven years of construction, three years earlier than scheduled. Once being the largest project in Southeast Asia, it is not only the pride of the country but also marks the outstanding growth of the electricity sector in Vietnam.

Source: VNA