HÀ NỘI — An overall inspection of illegal inland waterway ports is planned for next month until the end of this year, said the Việt Nam Inland Waterways Administration (VIWA). The general inspection of ports and inland waterway wharves on national and local waterways aims to assess the current status of the ports and waterway anchorage systems, especially the ones without licences, which might be unsafe. The number of unlicensed ports and wharves is still increasing because localities have adjusted their inland waterway planning, so many wharves can no longer have their licences renewed. In addition, lots of localities have not established and approved waterway traffic development plans, or the plans are not consistent with reality, causing difficulties for businesses and individuals wishing to open waterway ports. In the new decree, provincial People's Committees will supervise and close ports, wharves and anchorage areas that are not legally allowed to operate.
