Enhancement of the implementation of measures to prevent and combat heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion in Vietnam

Enhancement of the implementation of measures to prevent and combat heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion in Vietnam (Internet image)

On April 10, 2024, the Ministry of Construction issued Official Dispatch 1545/BXD-HTKT on enhancing the implementation of measures to prevent and combat heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion to ensure domestic water supply for the people in Vietnam.

In accordance with the direction of the Prime Minister in Directive 11/CT-TTg dated April 1, 2024 on strengthening measures to prevent and combat heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion to limit damage to production and business activities, and the impact on people's lives, as well as Official Telegram 34/CD-TTg dated April 8, 2024 on focusing on ensuring domestic water supply for the people during peak periods of saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta; To ensure safe and continuous water supply, meeting the requirements of socio-economic development and people's living standards, the Ministry of Construction proposes that the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities focus on directing and implementing the following requirements:

- Actively monitor and forecast weather, meteorology, hydrology, and saline intrusion directly related to water sources and water quality; operate reservoirs, irrigation lakes, hydroelectricity systems, and irrigation systems to ensure water sources and prioritize water sources for domestic purposes.

- Allocate local resources, mobilize forces and resources on-site to implement necessary water supply measures, appropriate to the specific situation in each locality, to ensure the minimum quantity and quality of water supply for people's lives during peak periods of drought, saline intrusion, and heatwaves.

- Focus on implementing regional water supply projects and sustainable water supply projects according to approved plans and timely report and propose solutions during the implementation process.

- Strengthen the connection of domestic water supply systems with sustainable water sources from freshwater reservoirs, hydraulic structures; study water source contingency solutions, enhance connectivity between water treatment plants and water supply networks; and allocate land funds for water storage facilities on the water supply system in areas prone to droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion to ensure water sources for domestic purposes.

- Direct water supply units in the province to establish and implement plans for ensuring safe water supply and risk management; develop procedures and organize drills to be prepared to respond to droughts, saline intrusion, and water supply security incidents.

- Promote public awareness and guidance on protecting water sources and water supply facilities; promote water conservation and efficiency, especially during peak periods of drought, heatwaves, and saline intrusion.

During the process of ensuring safe water supply for the people, especially during the dry season, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion, it is recommended that the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities closely coordinate and regularly report to the Ministry of Construction on the water shortage and saline intrusion situation in their localities, propose solutions and recommendations to timely address difficulties and challenges according to the direction of the Prime Minister.

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 1545/BXD-HTKT, issued on April 10, 2024.

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