Vietnam Mekong Delta Province's Efforts to Improve Water Supply

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tien Giang has earmarked VND348 billion ($14.95 million) this year for developing its rural water supply network. Around VND236 billion will come from its coffers and the rest from other sources including private investment and donations. LE Van Nghia, deputy chairman of the province People’s Committee, said the aim was to ensure supply of clean water to all households in the province, especially in areas near rivers along the coast suffering from saltwater intrusion. So far this year the province has carried out four projects worth VND161 billion. It includes VND84 billion in 112 works to build and upgrade its water supply network by the Tien Giang Water Supply One Member Limited Company. A new water pumping plant is expected to be put into operation this year with a capacity of 30,000cu.m per day in Cai L?y District. The province now has 566 water pumping stations providing clean water to over 369,450 households. This covers 93% of households in rural areas, three percentage points higher than the target set for next year, and 99% of urban households. (Vietnam News Aug 11)