Investing in clean water - towards sustainable rural areas

Rural water supply works contribute to completing new rural criteria in Tay Ninh

Bring fresh water to drought and saline areas

For many years, Tan Tru commune, Tay Ninh province has been one of the "hot spots" for domestic water shortages due to its border with the two rivers Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay. Every time the dry season comes, saltwater from downstream flows deep into the fields, many wells are heavily contaminated with alum, people have to collect rainwater in jars or transport water from other places for use.

In recent years, along with the policy of synchronous investment in rural infrastructure, the commune has focused resources on upgrading and expanding the clean water supply network. According to information from the People's Committee of Tan Tru commune, the expansion of the local water supply network has reached about 98% of households using hygienic water, of which more than 80% use clean water from the centralized system. The commune is coordinating with the Provincial Center for Irrigation and Clean Water to continue investing in additional water supply pipelines along the intra-field canals, prioritizing areas that often lack water in the dry season.

Not only Tan Tru, Thuan My commune was also a "thirsty" area every dry season. For many years, salt water often flooded deep into this area, causing hundreds of households to lack water for daily activities, having to collect rainwater or temporarily use river water and alum water. In order to completely solve that situation, Binh Tri 1 Water Supply Station was invested in and put into operation in 2017. Mr. Le Thanh Sang - station staff, said: "The plant was put into operation in 2017, providing clean water to about 2,400 households, with a 32km long pipeline. Previously, people only used well water, rainwater or river water contaminated with alum, which was very difficult. Since having clean water, people's lives have improved significantly."

Vice Chairman of Thuan My Commune People's Committee Do Thanh Hai said: "This area is subject to saline intrusion lasting about 6 months, from November to May of the following year. Along with investing in clean water infrastructure, the commune also strengthens dykes, prevents salinity, protects production areas and domestic water. Currently, 100% of households in Thuan My commune use clean water, of which 88.7% meet QCVN 01 standards. In the coming time, we will continue to mobilize resources to upgrade the remaining 39 systems, striving to have over 95% of households using water that meets standards by 2030."

Continue to improve infrastructure and expand water supply network

Binh Tri 1 Water Supply Station staff control the automatic water filtration system via mobile device

The province is gradually improving the rural water supply system in a stable, sustainable and climate change-adaptive direction; aiming for the goal of all people having access to clean water that meets standards. Director of the Provincial Center for Irrigation and Clean Water Trang Tan Tai informed: "Currently, the Center manages 88 water supply stations (15 stations in the old Long An area, 73 stations in the Tay Ninh area before the merger), supplying water to about 37,000 rural customers". In recent times, the Center has effectively implemented the Clean Water Program for the period 2021-2025, contributing to improving people's lives. Water quality testing and monitoring are conducted periodically. Leaks and pipeline damage are handled promptly, helping to reduce water loss and ensure stable and safe water supply.

To achieve the goal of the National Program on preventing water loss and revenue loss by 2025 (according to Decision No. 2147/QD-TTg), the Center is implementing key groups of solutions such as: Zoning, separating the network, installing total flow meters to control pressure and consumption; Reviewing, repairing and replacing degraded pipes and accessories; Replacing level B meters with level C meters to increase accuracy; Periodically checking level 1 and level 2 pumping systems; Promoting propaganda on economical water use, protecting water supply infrastructure; Mobilizing the community to promptly detect and report leaks.

Thanks to the synchronous application of technical and management solutions, the rate of water loss has been significantly reduced, and the quality of service to the people has been improved. Many localities in the drought and saline areas in the past now have a stable and safe water source all year round.

According to statistics, currently more than 75% of rural households in the province have access to water that meets standards, higher than the national average (68%). This achievement not only demonstrates the effectiveness of investment and management but also affirms the province's determination to ensure social security, improve the quality of life and build sustainable new rural areas./.

Minh Tue

Source: https://baolongan.vn/dau-tu-nuoc-sach-huong-den-nong-thon-ben-vung-a204969.html