During his recent meeting with representatives of the Da Nang Department of Construction to discuss ways on safeguarding the supply of fresh drinking water in Da Nang, municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam said municipal government has already approved the construction of temporary anti-saline intrusion dams on Cam Le River at a total cost of VND 3 billion. This project will be carried out by the Da Nang Water Supply Company (DAWACO).

Vice Chairman Nam underlined the need for relevant local agencies to find the best time and options for carrying out this project in a bid to ensure water quality and the delivery of adequate water in Da Nang.  

He also highlighted the importance of using water sources from the Vu Gia River and the An Trach Anti-Salinity Pumping Station for delivering secure public water supplies from now until December, 2021 when the new Hoa Lien Water Supply Plant is expected to be put into operation.

Mr Nam urged Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment and municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to work with Quang Nam Province authorities to ask the owners of hydropower reservoirs A Vuong, Song Bung 4, Song Bung 4A, Song Bung 5 , Song Bung 6 and Dak Mi 4 to discharge water in line with the regulations regarding inter-reservoir operating process on the Vu Gia - Thu Bon river basin.

The two departments were also asked to accelerate the construction of a temporary water dam with sandbags to height of 3.2m on the Quang Hue River which runs through Quang Nam Province’s Dai Loc District in order to help reduce in the salinity levels of the Da Nang-based Cau Do (Red Bridge) River.

The move aims to ensure enough water supply for business and homes in Da Nang, as well as support fresh water sources for the Da Nang-based Cau Do (Red Bridge) Water Plant amid the high salinity level measured at its raw water intake gates over recent days.

Mr Nam underscored a must-do for DAWACO to accelerate the installation of raw water pipelines connecting the An Trach Anti-Salinity Pumping Station with the Cau Do Water Supply Plan, as well as taking more effective measures to prevent the Cau Do River from saline intrusion in an effort to ensure safe drinking water supply, and a sufficient amount of water for domestic purposes at all times.

Reported by HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L