Bac Ninh: Efforts to solve the problem of flooding

Having previously faced flooding, Kinh Bac ward and its surrounding areas have made significant efforts in investing in and improving the drainage system. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quyet, Director of the Bac Ninh Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Company, stated: "Since the early 2000s, the province has implemented a drainage and wastewater treatment project using ODA funding from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, constructing hundreds of kilometers of sewers, numerous pumping stations, and large-capacity wastewater treatment plants."

In recent years, the locality has also renovated and built new regulating lakes (Van Mieu, Thanh Co, Dap Cau, Thi Cau, Phuc Ninh, etc.); invested in and connected drainage systems for new urban areas; and installed automatic rainwater monitoring stations. A service unit is maintained to operate the urban drainage system. These systematic investment and management activities of the drainage system have contributed to fundamentally resolving and preventing prolonged flooding.

Rescuers are rescuing cars that broke down during the recent heavy rain in Bac Giang ward. Photo: Mai Toan.

Despite achieving certain results, localized flooding still occurs in some low-lying areas (Y Na Overpass, Niem Xa; Theater Street; Thien Duc Street, Nguyen Cao Street; Cong O intersection, etc.) during heavy rains. This is especially true during rainfall exceeding the design capacity of the drainage system (rainfall exceeding 35 mm in 20 minutes). The cause is the pressure from rapid urbanization, leading to the existing drainage system no longer being able to cope. Some sections of the sewers have insufficient hydraulic elevation, causing stagnation. The sedimentation of mud and silt in the canals also significantly reduces the drainage capacity…

In the central area of Bac Giang ward, the authorities and residents are also having to cope with flooding whenever there is heavy rain. Many central roads are flooded, affecting the daily lives of residents. Despite investing tens of billions of VND to improve the drainage system, such as adding new sewer lines on Nguyen Van Cu and Tien Giang roads; reinstalling the drainage system on Hoang Van Thu road connecting to Hung Vuong road; and installing additional large-diameter rainwater drainage pipes according to the plan on some central roads, the problem of flooding during heavy rain has not been completely resolved. Ms. Tran Quynh Hoa from Bac Giang ward said: "The flooding situation greatly affects traffic and urban sanitation, especially during peak hours when people are commuting to work or taking their children to school. We hope that the authorities will pay attention to investing in a drainage system, creating a fast drainage path to reduce localized flooding, contributing to building a civilized and modern city, and improving the quality of life for the people."

According to assessments by authorities, the main cause is the overloaded drainage system, especially in residential areas, leading to flooding during heavy and prolonged rainfall. Illegal encroachment, land reclamation, and dumping of waste into ponds, lakes, and drainage ditches remain common, narrowing and clogging the drainage system. Furthermore, areas prone to localized flooding are typically those with lower ground levels than other areas, and the drainage capacity of some main sewer lines is currently insufficient to handle the flow, while coordination among different units in operating the drainage system is still lacking…

At a recent meeting with the Department of Construction to discuss solutions for urban drainage and flood control in several areas of Bac Giang ward, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Pham Van Thinh emphasized that urban drainage and flood mitigation are urgent tasks that need to be implemented immediately. Specifically, this includes dredging and clearing the drainage system in several main routes, especially in the 3/2 Square area. During the renovation and dredging of the Hung Vuong overpass roundabout, if necessary, it should be transformed into a semi-submerged park. The Vice Chairman also agreed in principle to completely separate the drainage basins; lower the bottom level of the discharge gate in the Hoang Hoa Tham park lake area; and allow the application of technology to manage the sluice gates for efficient operation. The Bac Ninh Provincial Civil and Urban Development Project Management Board No. 1 is tasked with promptly receiving documents and implementing the project for the construction, renovation, and upgrading of the drainage system in the former Bac Giang city; relevant departments and agencies are to advise on the organizational and operational model of the Urban Drainage Pumping Center to suit practical needs and maximize efficiency. The Center is designated as the central point for managing and operating the systems. Simultaneously, a rapid response team should be established in Bac Giang ward to address flooding situations...

According to urban experts, the problem of urban flooding in Bac Ninh province needs a multi-faceted approach, combining technical, management, and planning solutions. For sustainable development, the province needs to develop a comprehensive urban drainage plan with a long-term vision, integrating construction planning, land use planning, and adaptation to climate change. Information technology, water level monitoring systems, and rainfall forecasting should be applied to make timely and accurate operational decisions. Furthermore, experts from the Institute of Urban Research and Infrastructure Development (Vietnam Construction Association) suggest developing and protecting the system of regulating reservoirs to reduce the burden on the traditional drainage system.

To successfully achieve the goal of building a civilized, modern, and livable city in Bac Ninh, thoroughly addressing the flooding problem is a top priority. With the strong attention and decisive direction of the provincial leadership and the implementation of a comprehensive urban drainage strategy, Bac Ninh can completely solve the flooding problem, moving towards a green, clean, beautiful, and livable city for its people.

Duc Anh

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-no-luc-giai-bai-toan-ngap-ung-postid422408.bbg