Residents of residential area No. 2 in Thanh Khe Tay Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang have implemented several effective environmental protection models, earning the Da Nang Environment Award 2023 on June 1, 2024.

Residents of residential area No. 2, Thanh Khe Tay Ward, Thanh Khe District, implement an organic waste composting model to create fertiliser. Photo: M.Q

Several years ago, the residents of residential area No. 2 frequently encountered foul odours caused by dead fish and other natural factors from the 2-hectare lake in the residential area. However, this situation has improved significantly, with over 10 aeration clusters operating and floating aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and banana flowers placed on the lake surface to treat water pollution and enhance the landscape. The surrounding area has been renovated, with paved walkways and benches installed for locals to relax, and littering around the lake has ceased.

This positive outcome is the result of the Thanh Khe District People's Committee's project "Building Thanh Khe – Environmentally friendly District during the 2021-2030 period" and the "Green - Clean - Beautiful Sunday" campaign by the local community.

Mr. Le Van Thau, Secretary of the Party cell of residential area No. 2, shared that since 2021, residents and local associations have regularly organised "Green - Clean - Beautiful Sunday" events on the last Sunday of each month, with 30-50 participants each time. The clean-up activities focus on residential streets, particularly those surrounding the 2-hectare lake, such as Bau Trang 3, Bau Trang 4, Bau Trang 6, and Bau Trang 7. This model has become a habit for residents, who now regularly maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings even without organised events.

In 2021, residential area No. 2 was selected as one of two neighbourhoods in Thanh Khe District to implement the USAID-funded project "Joint Action to Protect Water Resources". The project aims for 100% of households, businesses, and production facilities to collect, sort, and recycle waste at source; be equipped with knowledge and skills on air quality protection, efficient energy use, and disaster preparedness; and implement water-smart practices, with at least 50% of households and businesses applying these models.

To date, the "Household Waste Sorting and Collection" model has been successfully implemented, with dozens of households participating regularly. Recyclable materials like plastic bottles, metal, paper, and cardboard are collected, while organic waste is used to produce cleaning solutions or fertilisers. The money saved from these activities has been donated to social welfare initiatives. Last year, nearly VND 10 million was raised to support women and students in need.

Regarding energy conservation, almost all households have replaced fluorescent lights with LED bulbs, and some have adopted solar-powered devices. Around 100 households are also using smart water taps to regulate water flow efficiently.

Mr. Dinh Quang Tuong, Vice Chairman of Thanh Khe Tay Ward People's Committee, praised residential area No. 2 for its innovative and practical environmental protection efforts, which have inspired widespread community participation. Local authorities regularly promote environmental awareness and solutions for a green, clean, and beautiful living environment.

On August 24, the area launched the "Safe - Civilised - Clean and Beautiful Alley" model, further enhancing residents' commitment to creating a safer and more attractive neighbourhood.

To expand these environmental protection models, local authorities will continue inspecting and strictly addressing violations such as illegal dumping. They will also collaborate with social organisations to raise public awareness of environmental regulations, organise community clean-ups, and host environmental festivals.

Reporting by MAI QUE - Translating by TRUC VY