• Ensuring water supply for domestic use and production during the dry season.
  • Ensure that people do not lack access to clean water.
  • The Prime Minister requested a focus on ensuring the supply of clean water for people in the Mekong Delta.

I still remember that around this time last year, Bien Bach commune was one of the "hot spots" where people were facing a severe shortage of fresh water. The image of hundreds of households carrying cans and containers of water to water supply points is still a haunting memory for the people here.

Mr. Ly Van Canh (Thanh Tung hamlet) recalled: “During last year's drought, my family had no water to bathe for 4-5 days straight. I vividly remember the scene of soldiers delivering water from the canal, and people rushing out with containers to carry water home. This year, although we have water for bathing and washing, drinking water is a real problem. My family even has to use water brought from boats, freezing it in the refrigerator to drink. As for filtered water, my family buys 4-5 barrels a week, each barrel costing 12,000 dong. No one in this area can drill a well because even if they do, the water will be contaminated with alum and salt.”

During last year's drought and saltwater intrusion, Mr. Canh's family, like many others, received a 1,000-liter water storage tank to prepare for the dry season. However, to meet the needs of his family of four, Mr. Canh had to buy another 1,000-liter tank. Although they already had two tanks, after the Tet holiday, the rainwater in both tanks had gradually depleted. At this point, Mr. Canh had to utilize all available water containers. Each time they refilled the tank, the family spent approximately 80,000 VND just to meet their short-term needs.

Every day, Mr. Tran Van De makes 2-3 trips to Canal 15 (in Kien Giang province) to fetch fresh water to share with his neighbors.

Every day, Mr. Tran Van De makes 2-3 trips to Canal 15 (in Kien Giang province) to fetch fresh water to share with his neighbors.