Attapeu villagers troubled by muddy waters
 
Vientiane Times, 17 May 2010
 
Villagers living along the Xekamanh River in Attapeu province are
concerned that gold mining activities are muddying the river's waters
and spreading harmful chemicals.
 
Local residents say the river has been very muddy for more than two
years now and is affecting the livelihoods of the many people who rely
on the water source all year round.
 
However, provincial officials say it is normal for the river to become
muddy during the dry season.
 
Residents of Vatthat village in Xaysettha district say they have seen
ferries conducting mining activities along the river, on one occasion
right next to their village.
 
“We saw two ferries stop and dump a lot of mud in the river right here
next to our village, and after that they moved upstream,” said local
resident Ms Phet.
 
Although the vast majority of locals depend on the river for daily
activities such as bathing and as a food source, many are now trying
to avoid using the river altogether.
 
“We rely on the river for washing, drinking and as a source of fish
and other aquatic animals, but now we have to try to stop doing all
those things,” said Vatthat villager Ms Noy.
 
She said villagers can stop using water from the river for household
use but cannot give up taking fish from the river.
 
Ms Phet said she developed blisters on her body after wading through
the river to catch fish. She also said a young child in the village
had contracted eye problems, the cause of which is suspected to be
water from the river.
 
It is not known whether the mining company is using chemicals.
However, Mr Souk from Xekamanneua village in Samakkhixay district, who
used to work at a small mining project in the province, said it is
common for miners to use mercury to extract gold.
 
Xekamanneua village, located where the Xekamanh and Xekong rivers
meet, has also been affected by the dirty water.
 
One resident, Mr Aengkham, said he is worried and scared after hearing
that the mining company is using chemicals.
 
Attapeu provincial Governor Dr Khamphanh Phommathat said there are
many reasons why the Xekamanh River can become muddy in the dry
season.
 
“The large amount of mud at present is caused by a number of factors
including the construction of hydropower plants, road construction in
Xanxay district, and soil run-off after heavy rains in Vietnam,” he
said.
 
Dr Khamphanh said the company carrying out the gold mining has
permission from the government to do so, but he could not confirm if
the mining involved the use of chemicals.
 
He called on people living along the river to remain calm and assured
them the provincial authorities will monitor the situation more
closely.
 
Dr Khamphanh called on people to contact the authorities if they
notice any illegal activities that are harming the environment or
affecting the livelihoods of villagers.