Vietnam Pours $1.76B into Rural Hygiene in 2011-2015

Vietnam invested an estimated VND39.59 trillion ($1.76 billion) in the national programs on safe water and hygiene in rural areas during 2011-2015, state media reported on Jun 7. The total amount included bank loans (61.6%), foreign official development assistance – ODA (16.4%), state budget (9.1%), local government’s budget (5.2%), and 7.6% from the private sector and resident contributions. The programs have helped raise people’s awareness of hygiene, improving their living standards, mostly ethnic minorities and those in remote areas. The programs attracted the participation of many private companies in the northern provinces of Ha Nam, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Thai Binh, the southern provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, and Dong Thap. However, the programs failed to meet targets for save water in several parts due to lack of policies supporting the investment in water supply and hygiene projects. Water supply and hygiene at many schools and medical stations have yet to meet the targets, according to the Vietnam News Agency. (Bnews.vn June 7)