A recent study has revealed that the economic benefits of wastewater collection and treatment systems far surpass their investment costs, radio The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reported. The German-Vietnamese Development Cooperation’s Wastewater Management Program (WMP) conducted the study in collaboration with partners in Can Tho, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Nghe An, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Lang Son, Hoa Binh, and Son La. It shows the cumulative benefits of investing in wastewater and drainage infrastructure exceed economic costs by at least 15%. The study assessed the economic performance of upgraded wastewater management (WWM) in nine provincial towns and cities, weighed their costs and benefits, and formulated recommendations for the future development of WWM. A detailed report was prepared for each province considered and the main results summarized. It provides national and provincial leaders with the data-based evidence and analysis they need to set the levels of investment in urban wastewater infrastructure given specific socio-economic conditions. The study included WWM’s positive impacts on tourism, public health, land prices, and the environment. Program Manager Hanns-Bernd Kuchta said: “Our research clearly indicates that investments in wastewater and drainage infrastructure promote tourism, boost land values, and protect the environment. “Improved hygiene dramatically reduces water-borne disease infection and mortality rates. Every three dollars of investment in wastewater and drainage infrastructure returns at least four dollars in benefits, so national and provincial leaders can rest assured increasing the wastewater sector’s annual budget allocation will enhance socio-economic development.” The long-term objective of the program is to promote sustainable wastewater and solid waste management in Vietnam. (Vietnam News Feb 14)
