Vietnam targets better access to clean water in 63 provinces

10:08, 01/08/2012

Vietnam is now targeting access to safe clean water and better rural environment hygiene for 85 per cent of its population, 100 per cent children in preschools and students in high schools, and all patients in district medical clinics in 63 provinces, during the period 2012-2015.

Vietnam is now targeting access to safe clean water and better rural environment hygiene for 85 per cent of its population, 100 per cent children in preschools and students in high schools, and all patients in district medical clinics in 63 provinces, during the period 2012-2015.

At an online meeting on July 27 in Hanoi, Cao Duc Phat, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, discussed with leaders from the 63 provinces of the country the possibilities of providing safe drinking water and better rural environment hygiene for citizens during the period 2012-2015.

In 2011, 1.9 million people had access to clean water in the country, accounting for 78 per cent of the population; 55 per cent of households had access to clean hygienic toilets; and more than 87 per cent of schools and medical clinics had clean water supply and hygienic toilets.

Clean water and better environmental hygiene affects the lives of every citizen in the country. Providing people with access to clean water is an urgent need as it relates to the development of human resources and improved national economy.

To achieve their goal, authorities at all levels in all provinces of the country will join hands to bring safe and clean water to people and at the same time encourage them to use this valuable and limited resource economically.

The expense for implementing the project is expected to be about VND27,600 billion, to cover three programs, one for clean water supply for daily use, one for improving rural environment hygiene and rural sanitation, and another for building a communication, supervision and assessment infrastructure.

International support for the project will total 29.7 per cent, while the state budget account will provide the remaining 14.9 per cent.

Accordingly, provinces will also be expected to raise funds from social contributions to make the project effective.

(Source:CPV)