The Mekong Delta has been struck by drought, saline intrusion and water shortage since the beginning of 2021. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hasordered concerned ministries and Mekong Delta provinces to proactively respondto saline intrusion and water shortage in the coming months in an officialdispatch.
The Mekong Delta has been struck by drought, salineintrusion and water shortage since the beginning of 2021 due to weather conditions,water flows upstream and impacts of tides, he said, adding that it has drivenclean water prices up and affected the locals’ life and production.
Since saltwater intrusion is forecast to linger on inApril, the Prime Minister asked the concerned ministries, governmentalagencies, and municipal and provincial People’s Committees in the region totake proactive actions to address the issue in the 2020 – 2021 dry season.People must not be left short of fresh water, according to the officialdispatch.
People’s Committees of cities and provinces, particularlythose coastal, must keep a close watch on the situation and adopt responsemeasures suitable to their particular context. They must identify high-riskareas where people should be prioritised with access to clean water while thedeployment of military and public security forces is possible, if necessary, tohelp provide clean water for affected people.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and RuralDevelopment was tasked with monitoring and giving forecasts on water resources,water quality and saline intrusion; and promptly providing information andwarnings for affected cities, provinces and people.
The ministry is also responsible for giving instructionsto the cities and provinces on how to maintain agricultural production andminimise damage from saltwater intrusion and lack of fresh water while comingup with solutions to supply water to local families and develop concentratedwater supply projects. It was also urged to mobilise support from domestic andinternational organisations in tackling the issues./.
VNA
