It is estimated that from now to 2025, Vietnam needs to invest about US$ 8.3 billion to provide waste water drainage service to approximately 36 million people (according to the statistics of urban population in 2005). This information is provided by Mr. Le Duy Hung, urban Management senior specialist at the launching ceremony of the environmental sanitation assessment report in East Asia and Pacific and report on urban wastewater in Vietnam on 20 January. In recent years, along with economic growth, Vietnam’s urban areas are facing significant challenges related to the waste discharge causing environmental pollution. Therefore, to resolve these concerns, Vietnam should implement synchronized solutions in terms of financial investment and human resources.
$ 500 million a year for the Environmental Improvement
Mr. Le Duy Hung affirmed that the wastewater treatment system in Vietnam is still underdeveloped. In addition, the poor sanitary conditions in most cities have caused serious impacts on the environment, people’s health and damage 1.3 % of GDP per year. Therefore, over the last few years, Vietnam had to spend about US$ 500 million per year in building sewage systems and improving the environment in urban areas across the country. However, because of the rapid urbanization so the wastewater treatment systems in Vietnam face lots of challenges. Almost wastewater discharged directly to water drainage system, and only 10 % of wastewater is treated,said Hung.
Enhancing people’s awareness
Mr. Charles Feintein, World Bank’s Director of Energy and Water Department confirmed that at the moment, the majority of people in big cities are living in poor sanitary conditions.Along with that, the poor hygiene also caused economic losses which are estimated at about US$ 780 million dollars per year. For these concerns, Vietnam needs to spend a large amount of money for the urban wastewater treatment in order to develop healthy and clean cities. Accordingly, VND 8.3 billion which is expected to improve urban water resources will focus on the development of policies on raising people’s awareness, promoting technical solutions and developing sustainable institutions.
Hoàng Sơn
Đăng ký: VietNam News