The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho has encouraged its industrial establishments to use environmentally friendly equipment and build waste treatment systems in an effort to reduce pollution.

The city has also targeted the use of clean technology in all new production facilities and concentrated waste water treatment systems in new industrial zones. It will link with neighbouring localities in supervising the protection of the environment, especially its water resources.

Waste water treatment stations have been built in all towns, while industrial and hospital waste water has been treated before it is discharged into rivers.

Can Tho has also built a 200 hectare inner-city solid water treatment area in its O Mon district and another covering 50 hectares in Thot Not district to handle waste for outlying areas.

It has started the first phase of the Thot Not industrial waste water treatment plant with a capacity of processing 2,500 cu.m per day. The plant is expected to double its capacity by late 2014 when the second phase is completed.

In addition, a waste water treatment plant is being constructed at the Tra Not Industrial Park with a daily capacity of 12,000 cu.m.

According to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, all industrial zones in Can Tho discharge about 30,000 cu.m of waste water per day plus 70,000 cu.m per day from local residents.

However, the lack of treatment systems has resulted in serious pollution in the Hau River and surrounding canals.-VNA