Illustrative photo (Source: baoquocte.vn) Can Tho(VNA) – Representatives of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and theNetherlands’ Vitens Evides International (VEI) company held a discussion on theWaterWorX project, which aims to orient the water supply to be adaptable to theeffects of climate change in the southwest of Mekong River Delta, funded by thecompany and the Dutch Government.
Folker de Jager, VEIManager for Asia, said that the firm has worked with various water companies inVietnam since 2009 and defined water as one of the country’s most importantsectors.
The WaterWorX will beimplemented from 2019-2030, through three phases. In the first phase, from2019-2021, the project will receive an investment of 2.5 million EUR, 90percent of which is sourced by the Dutch Government and VEI.
In the first phase,the project will cover three localities of Can Tho, Hau Giang, and Soc Trang.
Folker de Jager saidthat its objectives include assisting water supply firms in localities to dealwith upcoming climate change challenges amidst the increasing salt waterintrusion, depression, and reduced levels of underground water.
He said that theproject will help enhance the operational capacity of water supply firms,focusing on reducing revenue losses, as well as improving water quality and savingpower.
At the same time, VEIwill also coordinate with firms in building future plans to cope with theeffects of climate change.
In the second and thirdphases, the project will expand collaboration with water firms in otherlocalities facing similar problems, such as Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, and Kien Giang.
He also expressed hishope that the project will contribute to promoting economic growth in theMekong Delta region, where water plays a significant role in local agriculture.
Can Tho has threecompanies that will join the project’s first phase, while Hau Giang and SocTrang also have one each.
During the project, theVEI will also coordinate with the Centre for Climate Change Research from CanTho University.
Vice Chairman of theCan Tho People’s Committee Dao Anh Dung said that the city supports theproject, adding that relevant authorities will approve the project as soon as allnecessary procedures have been completed so that the signing of agreements willtake place as scheduled. –VNA
VNA
