Nha Trang Gets Free Water to Survive Drought

Authorities in Nha Trang city in Vietnam’s central province of Khanh Hoa are providing free water to residents to help them get through the prevailing drought. Several communes in Nha Trang City - Phuoc Dong, Vinh Luong and Vinh Phuong - have been struggling with drought for two months. Wells have dried up and natural supplies have become contaminated by encroaching sea water. Tran Hung Dung, chairman of Vinh Luong communal People’s Committee, told DTiNews the city’s clean water system can meet 40% of the commune’s demand, but Cat Loi Hamlet's 400 households have none. “We want Nha Trang City’s authorities a plan to build a water reserve for residents in Cat Loi Hamlet,” he noted. Tran Van Noi, 58, a local man in the commune, said they have received enough free water for about a month. Water is supplied to 25 households in the area about three times a week. “But my family has eight members and the water we receive is not enough for our daily needs,” Noi said. Due to the severe water shortage, several residents in Chua Hamlet have been buying water at high prices from surrounding areas. (http://www.dtinews.vn/ June 18)