The Song Than reservoir, a vital project with a total investment exceeding 1.040 billion dong and a capacity of over 85 million cubic meters, was inaugurated on 20/9 after construction began in 2018. However, by late October, its operating unit, Ninh Thuan Irrigation Works Exploitation Company Limited, discovered six concrete cracks running along the dam face, measuring over 92 meters in length and 5-40 millimeters in width.

A crack at Song Than reservoir, discovered by the operating unit in early November. Photo: Khanh Hoa

In addition to the cracks, the reservoir also exhibited five seepage points within the dam body corridor. One of these points showed significant leakage, with a flow rate of about 0,3 liters per second, equivalent to nearly 26 cubic meters per day.

The operating unit reported these issues and coordinated with the Provincial Investment and Construction Project Management Board, the project owner, for remediation. For the six cracks, the contractor marked them with paint, monitored them for 15 days, and observed no further expansion. The construction unit excavated over one meter deep at the crack locations, found no impact on the dam body, and sealed them with silicone.

The project owner stated that the seepage points within the main concrete dam body corridor were minor, posed no impact on the structure, and have been addressed. The project remains under warranty, ensuring continued review.

The Song Than reservoir is designed to supply water for 4,500 hectares of agricultural land and for the daily needs of over 20,000 households in several southern communes of the province. It also regulates water and supports annual drought mitigation efforts.

The Song Than reservoir project. Photo: Minh Bang

Bui Toan