On May 6, the Environmental Protection Sub-Department, under the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, reported that water for the project's sand pumping was sourced from the Kenh Xang Ca Mau – Bac Lieu and Kenh Quan Lo Phung Hiep canals. During construction, a low embankment in the Duong Xuong canal area breached, causing water to overflow.

The sand pumping area for the project borders local fish farming areas. *Photo: An Minh*

Analysis of five water samples from the Duong Xuong canal and nearby rice fields revealed water quality ranging from average to very poor. Salinity levels measured between 9.84-14.36‰, exceeding the threshold for freshwater aquaculture and rice cultivation.

Earlier, residents from Khom 3 and 4 in Tan Thanh Ward had complained that the airport construction altered water sources, causing numerous aquatic species, particularly marble goby, to die. Authorities confirmed that 92 households were affected, with a total area of over 85 hectares damaged.

Phan Thanh Lam, Director of Ca Mau Airport, stated that the contractor is collaborating with local authorities to assess the damage to each household, which will serve as a basis for developing a support plan.

Dead marble goby collected and disposed of by residents. *Photo: An Minh*

The Ca Mau Airport expansion project, with a total capital of approximately 2,400 billion VND, is invested by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). The project includes the construction of a runway 2,400 meters long and 45 meters wide, along with a system of taxiways, an apron, and an expanded terminal.

Chuc Ly