Residents in the Mekong Delta province receive water aid. (Photo: VNA)
Can Tho (VNA) – The Construction Ministry reported its draft plans on water supplies in the Mekong Delta through 2030 at a conference held in Can Tho on March 18.
Residents’ demand for clean water is estimated at 3.4 million cubic metres per day by 2030, while the total capacity of all existing plants is 918,000 cubic metres.
Thus, new water systems in localities and a central system supplying the whole region will be built, totalling 2.3 million cubic metres of water shortage.
The plan aims to provide clean water to all residents in urban areas and 90 percent of residents in the countryside. The use of groundwater will be restricted, with the Tien and Hau rivers being the main sources of supply.
Construction costs will be sourced from community support, public-private partnerships, official development assistance and Government bonds.
By 2050 the ministry intends to expand the water pipes to reach provinces located along the North and the West seas. The percentage of clean water lost should remain under 10 percent.
At the function, Deputy Construction Minister Phan Thi My Linh pointed to serious drought and saltwater intrusion, which are taking their toll across the region, and making adequate water supplies a pressing issue.
She said the agency will consult local provinces as it completes the plans, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.-VNA
