Clean water for rural areas: Striving to achieve the target of 100% by 2045

(HTV) - The country currently has more than 18,000 rural water supply projects, but only 32% operate sustainably. At the Rural Clean Water Forum, experts proposed synchronous solutions and mobilized resources to achieve the goal of 100% of rural residents using clean water by 2045.

According to a report from the Forum on Clean Water and Rural Environmental Sanitation in Ho Chi Minh City, there are currently more than 18,000 rural water supply projects nationwide, however, only about 32% are operating sustainably. Most of the remaining projects are operating at a low level or have stopped operating, leaving millions of people in rural areas still unable to access a stable source of clean water.

Panoramic view of the conference room with delegates attending the conference, with the central space where the main presentation took place and delegates participated in the discussion

At the forum, experts pointed out that unsynchronized planning, limited grassroots management, and lack of investment capital are major shortcomings in clean water supply in rural areas.

Mr. Tran Quang Hung - General Director of Southern Irrigation Exploitation Company: "The technical infrastructure is large so it requires a lot of costs. Regarding the price, it is necessary to adjust the old price to ensure operating resources."

Cargo ships travel on canals, serving water supply and transporting agricultural products.

One solution proposed by experts is to consider clean water as an element of the economy , instead of just a public service. Water resource management needs to shift to a market mechanism, perfect policies and calculate water prices correctly and sufficiently to attract private investment and promote economical use.

Mr. Dang Thanh Lam - Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Planning: "It is necessary to mobilize businesses to participate and socialize capital mobilization for construction and management of water supply works, especially focusing on water security criteria."

Aerial view of rice fields, irrigation system providing water for agricultural crops

To achieve the goal of 100% of rural residents having access to clean water by 2045, the irrigation sector has identified key solutions, including synchronous investment in clean water infrastructure, enhanced quality monitoring, digital transformation of water resource management, and promotion of socialization. Encouraging the community and businesses to participate in related activities is necessary to achieve this goal.

Mr. Luong Van Anh - Deputy Director of the Department of Management and Construction of Irrigation Works ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ): "There needs to be a mechanism to remove obstacles, mobilize capital and encourage people to participate in the construction and operation of the water supply system."

Irrigation reservoirs provide clean water for farmers, regulate the rainy season and ensure safety for residential areas in the Central region.

With the concerted efforts of relevant agencies and the participation of the community, the irrigation sector believes it will achieve its set goals, contributing to improving the quality of life for rural people and ensuring the country's sustainable development.

>>> Please watch HTV News at 8:00 p.m. and 24G World Program at 8:30 p.m. every day on HTV9 channel.

Source: https://htv.com.vn/nuoc-sach-cho-nong-thon-phan-dau-hoan-thanh-muc-tieu-100-vao-nam-2045-222251104105916633.htm