Clean water and sanitation for vulnerable communities

More than 9,700 people in An Giang province will have access to clean water, hygienic toilets and participate in communication activities related to personal hygiene and the environment. The program is sponsored by the JTI Foundation; managed and implemented by Habitat for Humanity International in Vietnam in coordination with the Provincial Women's Union and the Union of Friendship Organizations of An Giang province.

Vice President of the Union of Friendship Organizations of An Giang Province Dang Hoang Dien (left cover) presents gifts to thank the sponsor. Photo: VAN UT

The project “Implementing sustainable water and sanitation projects for vulnerable communities in the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam” is being implemented simultaneously in Da Nang City and An Giang Province, with a total budget of more than 15 billion VND. The project will help 3,949 households (19,745 people) access hygienic latrines and clean water sources; improve knowledge and practice on clean water and environmental sanitation.

An Giang province alone received a total funding of more than VND 7.1 billion, of which VND 200 million was contributed by the locality to build four clean water facilities for community use. The project will run until December 2027, supporting 1,940 households in three communes: Hoa Thuan, Hoa Hung and Giong Rieng. Beneficiary households will have access to hygienic toilets, clean water, and knowledge about clean water and sanitation through the construction of 900 toilets, repair and upgrade of four centralized water supply facilities; and communication activities to change behavior on clean water, sanitation and environmental protection.

The notable point of the project is the “community empowerment” model. In each commune, members of the community support group are selected to analyze the current situation, identify clean water and sanitation problems, and propose solutions. In addition, the community support group also participates in monitoring activities and directly implements the project. The criteria for selecting beneficiaries are clearly established, giving priority to poor and near-poor households, households with elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities or ethnic minorities, groups that are often most vulnerable to environmental and health challenges.

According to the representative of Habitat for Humanity International in Vietnam, beneficiaries must commit to accompanying, participating in training and communication activities to change behavior, thereby increasing the initiative and sustainability of the project.

Dr. Tran TN Tran - Country Director of Habitat for Humanity Vietnam emphasized: "The unique feature of this project is that we ensure long-term sustainability by assessing the limitations in access to water and sanitation. With support from partners, we can build safer communities where families have their own space to improve hygiene and health."

Director of External Relations and Communications of JTI Vietnam Ho Linh Lan shared: “Starting in 2019, JTI Foundation has implemented the global WASH (Clean Water and Sanitation) initiative with the goal of bringing clean water and safer sanitation conditions to 1 million people living in vulnerable communities around the world . In this journey, Vietnam holds a special position, so JTI Foundation cooperates with Habitat for Humanity Vietnam to implement the project in the Central and Southern regions. We believe that access to clean water and sanitation not only helps improve health but also opens up development opportunities for people and communities, contributing to building a better, safer and more sustainable future for everyone.”

Vice President of the Union of Friendship Organizations of An Giang Province, Dang Hoang Dien, said: “The implementation of the project in 3 rural communes has practical significance in reducing the risk of disease, raising awareness of environmental protection, and promoting new rural development. Each community clean water project, once completed, will ensure hygiene standards, while reducing the burden on people, especially women and children, in getting water for daily use. In addition, communication activities, training on personal hygiene skills and water source protection also help form new habits, creating long-term changes in community awareness and behavior. With the commitment of JTI Fund and Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, the project not only brings clean water and hygienic toilets but also contributes to changing the quality of life, opening up opportunities for comprehensive development for rural people.”

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Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nuoc-sach-va-ve-sinh-cho-cong-dong-de-bi-ton-thuong-a464796.html