(VOVworld) – The National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and the Environment met on Saturday to verify the government’s report on the construction and operations of hydro-power plants. Hydro-power plants in 2012 contributed nearly 44% of the total electricity output, helping to prevent floods and droughts, supply water for daily use and production, develop local infrastructure, and generate jobs. However, the planning, construction and operations of hydro-power projects have caused a number of problems to people in project sites. 424 projects have been eliminated.

National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan asked scientists and the Committee for Science, Technology and the Environment to work out timely solutions: “Vietnam has many rivers, which is a great advantage and potential for socio-economic growth. Ineffective hydro-power projects that worry the people should be reconsidered. Thorough research and planning for hydro-power projects should be made and submitted to the government for consideration.”