Seven prosecuted for breaches in Da River pipeline

>> Cường Seven và Chi Pu sánh vai xài Zalo

Workers to repair the broken water pipeline of the Da River project. — Photo dantri.com.vn

The officials included two from the Ha Noi-Da River pipeline project management board: Nguyen Van Khai, a deputy director, and Truong Tran Hien, head of the materials and equipment division.

Four of the prosecuted officials worked in a consultancy and supervision group, including Do Dinh Tri, head of the group, and supervisors Nguyen Bien Hung, Hoang Quoc Thong and Bui Minh Quan.

The seventh official was Vu Thanh Hai, head of the manufacturing division of the Vinaconex Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Pipe Co., JSC.

The seven officials were charged with "committing violations that resulted in serious consequences," or to be specific, causing the Da River water pipeline to break 10 times, costing the state more than VND9.3 billion (US$422,700).

Substandard pipes and improper design were said to be the main reasons for the breaches.

The Viet Nam Construction and Import-Export Co., JSC (Vinaconex) had invested in the VND1.5 trillion ($68.1 million) Ha Noi–Da River water project. Its affiliate company, the Vinaconex Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester Pipe Company, supplied the pipes used in the project.

In May, police had arrested Hoang The Trung, former director of the project management board, and Tran Cao Bang, former director of the company that supplied the pipes, on the same charges.