The Hue City Party Standing Committee announced the expulsion decision on 17/8. The decision stemmed from Hau's lack of responsibility during his tenure as director, where he seriously violated party regulations and state laws in performing his duties and in preventing corruption, waste, and negative practices.

Hau also violated regulations concerning prohibited actions for party members and the responsibility to set an example, leading to very serious consequences.

Two days prior, on 15/8, Hue City Police arrested Hau and searched his residence and workplace. He is currently under investigation for "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences," as defined by article 360 of the penal code.

Ha Xuan Hau was arrested by Hue City Police on 15/8. Photo: Manh Hung.

The problematic project involves a waste treatment plant. In 3/2016, the Thua Thien Hue Province Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Project Management Board, which is now the Hue City Investment, Construction and Urban Development Project Management Board, proposed investing in a waste treatment plant in Huong Binh commune, formerly Huong Tra town.

In 10/2017, the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee approved the project and designated the project management board as the investor. The project had a total capital of nearly 86 billion VND, with nearly 45 billion VND sourced from the central budget and the remainder from the local budget. It was planned for implementation during the 2018-2020 period.

However, the plant remains unfinished and is not yet operational. Investigators determined that during the project's management, the project management board failed to closely monitor construction progress. They also lacked resolve in dealing with violating contractors and did not promptly terminate contracts or replace underperforming contractors.

Furthermore, the project management board repeatedly requested extensions from competent authorities, despite the actual progress not meeting requirements. As the director of the project management board and the investor's representative, Hau has been identified as primarily responsible for these violations.

Vo Thanh