On Tuesday, a workshop took place in Da Nang to discuss the management and use of local water resources in the current context of the challenges of rapid population growth, urbanisation and climate change in the city.  The event was organised by the city’s Research Institute for Socio-Economic Development.

Installing a water pipe system in a local rural area

Municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan remarked that, over recent years, the city’s water supply, drainage and urban wastewater treatment systems have met the requirements of the local urban development strategies.  Most notably, 90% of the local population now have access to clean water supplies. 

Vice Chairman Tuan noted that the city authorities are making every effort to appeal for more public-private cooperation in implementing local water supply projects.   He highlighted the importance of conducting research into these projects as well as gaining valuable international experience in effectively deploying the projects, in combination with renewing the management of local water resources.

The new Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Mr Craig Chittick OAM, said that, under the Australia-Viet Nam Joint Aid Programme Strategy over the 2010 - 2015 period, the Australian government has pledged 65 million AUD to fund Viet Nam’s National Target Programme for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation.

The diplomat added that the Australian government is willing to foster bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam in a bid to ensure the sustainable development of water resources and abilities to cope with climate change through promoting technological transfer and innovations in managing water resources, and public-private cooperation in water supply projects.