Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) The Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) group has made great efforts to carry out the national rural electrification programme, contributing to reducing poverty, fostering social welfare policies and developing socio-economy equitably in localities nationwide.
According to EVN General Director Dang Hoang An, 99.59 percent of communes and 98.22 percent of rural households had access to power by the end of 2014. The group also completed submarine cable projects to bring electricity to the island districts of Phu Quoc, Co To and Ly Son in a bid to implement Vietnam’s marine strategy by 2020.
To date, the EVN has provided power for eight out of 12 island districts, including Van Don, Co To (northern province of Quang Ninh), Cat Hai (northern port city of Hai Phong), Ly Son (central province of Quang Ngai), Phu Quy (central province of Binh Thuan), Con Dao (southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau) and Phu Quoc and Kien Hai (southern province of Kien Giang).
Vice Chairman of the Phu Quoc district People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung said that the operation of the 110 KV Ha Tien-Phu Quoc submarine cable system since February 2014 has ensured sufficient power supply for local residents, serving as a driving force to develop socio-economy while protecting national sovereignty.
He added that the power system also shifts the island’s appearance as grid access facilitates numerous investments in the locality- a crucial element to develop Phu Quoc as a specialised administration and economic zone.
A connection to the national power grid motivates the island to foster socio-economic development, Secretary of the Ly Son Island Party Committee Nguyen Thanh highlighted, saying the island will promote fishing logistics services and tourism.
The EVN’s support has also been given to the impoverished districts of Tan Uyen, Than Uyen and Phong Tho in the northern province of Lai Chau, covering rural electricity enhancement, creating jobs and training ethnic group members, school construction and agriculture stimulation, among others.
To fulfil targets set for the rural electrification programme in the next five years, the EVN will register capital for public investment from 2016-2020 while arranging adequate corresponding funds to carry out the investments in a timely manner.-VNA
