Preserving the "lifeline" in the Dakrong highlands.

At Cupua, Vung Kho village, Dakrong commune, Quang Tri province, there were times during the dry season when the river at the foot of the village almost dried up completely. However, thanks to the collective efforts of the local people and the support of international organizations, a gravity-fed water system was constructed. This project not only ensures a stable water supply for the residents but also opens up a sustainable path towards adapting to climate change in this mountainous region.

The severity of climate change

Climate change, with its prolonged heatwaves, is exacerbating the shortage of clean water in many mountainous regions. At Cupua, in Vung Kho hamlet, Dakrong commune, Quang Tri province, there are times during the dry season when the river at the foot of the village almost completely dries up. For the 11 households living there, this is not only a water shortage but also creates a host of difficulties in their daily lives.

Ms. Ngo Thi Bich (36 years old) recalls a time when she had to wake up very early every day to go down to the river to carry water back for her family's daily needs. With her husband working far away, almost all the household chores fell on her shoulders. "Carrying water is a familiar task for women here. But the water is very heavy, and walking in the hot sun is very tiring, and each time we could only bring back a small amount of water," Ms. Bich shared.

Ms. Ngo Thi Bich shared about the difficulties of fetching water during the dry season.

According to local residents, in recent years, the impact of climate change has made the weather in the mountainous areas of Quang Tri increasingly harsh. The prolonged dry season and intense heat have made the already scarce water supply even more precarious. At times, during June and July, the river almost completely dries up.

Based on that reality, the people of Cupua discussed and agreed on a plan to channel water by gravity from the mountain source to the residential area. With technical support and materials from Plan International Vietnam within the framework of the "Moving Forward" program funded by the Irish Government through the Irish Embassy in Vietnam, the gravity-fed water system gradually took shape.

The system includes nearly 3,000 meters of HDPE pipeline, a dam and upstream water collection pit, a water intake point, and a 1,500-liter storage tank. Notably, most of the work, such as land clearing, pipe laying, dam dredging, and bathroom construction, was carried out by the local people themselves through their labor contributions.

After a period of implementation, the project is scheduled for completion in May 2025, bringing a stable supply of clean water to 52 people in Cupua and neighboring households. This includes people with disabilities – a group that previously faced the most difficulties in accessing water.

Improving the quality of life

Beyond just construction, the residents proactively formed a four-member team to manage and maintain the water system. Ms. Ngo Thi Bich is in charge of managing the maintenance fund, monitoring repair expenses, and notifying the community when system malfunctions occur. Each month, households contribute 10,000 VND to maintain the system's operation. Monthly, the team members continue to inspect the pipelines, clean the upstream area, and reinforce areas at risk of damage during the rainy season.

"The households not only contribute to the fund but are also very conscious of maintaining the water system. We regularly go to the source, more than 3 kilometers away, to clean and inspect the pipes." "Now that we've received initial support, maintaining and preserving the structure is the responsibility of the entire community," Ms. Bich said.

Since the installation of the gravity-fed water system, residents no longer worry about water shortages during the dry season; children and the elderly can now use clean water right in their residential area without having to travel far as before.

According to local assessments, the active participation of the people, especially women, not only helps the project operate effectively but also creates cohesion and raises community awareness in protecting water resources and adapting to climate change. Since the introduction of the gravity-fed water system, the lives of households in the Dakrong highlands have gradually become more stable. People no longer worry about water shortages during the dry season; children and the elderly can use clean water right in their residential areas without having to travel far as before.

Sharing his thoughts during a visit to the project area, Mr. Ho E Not, one of the households benefiting from the project, said that the most important thing is that the people are involved from the very beginning in the construction and management of the project. "Only by working together and contributing together will the people feel responsible for maintaining the project so that it will be sustainable in the long term," he said.

According to Ms. Edel Cribbin, Head of Development Cooperation at the Irish Embassy in Vietnam, Ireland always hopes that development assistance programs will not only help address immediate difficulties but also strengthen the self-reliance and self-development capacity of local communities.

In its collaboration in Vietnam, Ireland prioritizes areas such as sustainable livelihoods, women's economic empowerment, and environmental protection. Through the "Moving Forward" program, the Irish Government and Plan International Vietnam expect to continue supporting vulnerable communities in adapting to climate change, while promoting development solutions that are built, operated, and maintained by the people themselves.

In the remote and challenging Dakrong highlands, this gravity-fed water system not only improves living conditions but also demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based development models – where people are both beneficiaries and active participants in preserving the achievements for the long-term future.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/gin-giu-mach-song-giua-vung-cao-dakrong-10418565.html