Attapeu province authority has expressed concern over residents affected by contaminated water in the Xekamanh River, while also calling for them to remain calm while they monitor the situation closely.
The river water has been unclean for more than two years and is affecting the livelihoods of the many local residents who rely on the water source as their sole means of income.
Governor of Attapeu province Dr Khamphanh Phommathat admitted there had been numerous complaints by locals, and explained that the situation was the result of several factors including hydropower dam and road construction, as well as mining activity along the river.
“There are a range of factors contributing to this problem, including the construction of the Xekamanh I and Xekamanh III hydropower plants, road construction in Xanxay district and also in Vietnam, while rain is also bringing soil run-off into the river,” he said.
Residents also claim that mining along the river is causing damage to the river ecosystem, and expressed fears that chemical run-off from the operations could be causing permanent damage.
In response, Dr Khamphanh said the authority controls mining activity because it is a contracted project, but he did concede that unsanctioned mining was taking place using primitive methods which may see harmful chemicals such as mercury seeping into the water.
Highlighting the fact that there had been no recorded deaths of aquatic animals in the river, the governor called on residents to remain calm, insisting that there was no evidence to suggest the water contained high levels of dangerous chemicals.
Director General of the Department of Mining, Mr Thongphat Inthavong, said it was impossible for mining ferries operating on the river to discharge chemicals into the water.
“They wash the dust from minerals, but do not extract gold directly in the river,” he explained.
Dr Khamphanh said water samples had been taken for analysis, but the results were yet to be made known.
But he has called for the government to take precautionary measures and dig bore wells for locals to use in the meantime.
“We are waiting for the money to dig wells for people who live along the river as identified in the agreement between the government and the dam construction contractors,” he said.
On behalf of the provincial leaders, Dr Khamphanh apologised for the problem that is affecting the everyday livelihoods of thousands of people, saying the authority had appointed a group of officials committed to seeking a solution.
“The authority will continue to monitor and control the projects to limit their impact, especially to prevent the risk of using chemicals that may seep down into the water supply,” he said.
