December 12, 2002

Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) is drafting a plan to build a 260-megawatt hydroelectricity plant on the Ba Ha River in the central province of Phu Yen.

HANOI — Construction on the plant is expected to start in 2004 and will cost about US$311 million.

According to the state-owned power supplier, it has received a thumbs-up from Phu Yen’s authorities to proceed with the plant. However, the province also wants the government to
set up a committee to manage water resources to ensure adequate water remains for agricultural production.

It has asked EVN to develop an early plan for ground clearance work and coordinate with the province to build roads as well as guaranteeing the living conditions of resettled people. More than 5,000 people will be resettled in Son Hoa and Song Hinh districts in Phu Yen province and Krong Pa in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

The project is now undergoing a feasibility study and is waiting for the prime minister’s approval.