HCM City Misses Environmental Targets

Only 20% of the 8,000 tones of urban waste in HCM City is treated, according to the city's Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Toxic waste volume has increased every year as treatment facilities have not been upgraded.

Only half of residential areas have central wastewater treatment facilities, although the city has targeted having 90% of new urban areas and half of existing residential areas in the 2011-15 period, according to a report by the department.

Experts said that local authorities should further invest in treatment facilities to prevent environmental pollution. (Vietnam News May 15)