Disadvantaged families assisted to build flood-proof sheds

Over 1,470 low-income households in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue will be assisted to build flood-proof sheds through assistance from the provincial People’s Committee, after they earmarked over 20 billion VND (890,800 USD) sourced from the State budget for the initiative.

Beneficiary localities include the townships of Huong Tra and Huong Thuy and the districts of Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Phu Vang, Phu Loc, Nam Dong and A Luoi.

Through joint efforts of State agencies, communities and beneficiary families, the flood-proof facilities will be built 1.5 – 3.6 metres higher than the flooding level contingency in each location and have a minimum area of 10 square metres. Other components will mimic those of ordinary houses.

More than 3,500 impoverished families in Thua Thien-Hue are eligible for the building assistance as decided by the Prime Minister in 2014; over 2,230 have received support so far.

The targeted localities said all constructed sheds are still steady and have protected human lives during past storms and deluges.

Meanwhile, flood-tolerant crop cultivation has also been expanded in the province.

In Quang Dien’s low-lying commune of Quang Thanh, locals have grown vegetables on 1-metre-high frames with an area of 20 – 50 square metres each. The roofed frames also help prevent the crops from being damaged by torrential rains.

Many of the 325 local vegetable farming households have applied this method, which generates higher income in the rainy season since vegetable prices usually double or triple.-VNA