More capital to be poured into Mekong Delta to address erosions

ABO/VNA – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has agreed to the provision of 1.5 trillion VND (65.9 million USD) from the standby 2018 State budget for Mekong Delta localities to address urgent dyke erosion threatening life and property of local residents.

Erosion occurs in front of a kindergarten (Source: VNA)

He also gave the green light to a proposal of allocating additional 1 trillion VND from the Government’s standby mid-term public investment fund during 2016-2020 for several localities to tackle erosions.

The leader agreed with a proposal to use 36 million USD from official development assistance (ODA) capital for the WB9 and GMS1 projects to establish the Mekong Delta climate change prevention fund.

The information was highlighted in the Government Office’s announcement on the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s meeting with representatives of 13 Mekong Delta localities in Hanoi on May 9.

The Mekong Delta holds an important strategic position and is home to over 20 million people. Erosions have occurred at 562 locations of river banks and seashores, with a total length of 786km, of which 42 sections stretching 149km are in specially dangerous conditions.

It needs about 6.99 trillion VND (307.56 million USD) to reinforce such eroded locations, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

At the working session, the Government leader listed An Giang, Dong Thap, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu as the most affected by landslides.

He said following the issuance of Government Resolution No. 120 on sustainable development in the Mekong Delta in response to climate change, mid- and long-term capital has been allocated to deal with 17 out of 42 specially dangerous spots.

Apart from reinforcing dykes, localities in the region should address a number of issues of public concern like the unplanned and over-exploitation of sand and gravel, while heeding forestation.

He also urged the localities to adjust the planning of residential areas and production, along with stepping up cooperation with regional countries in regulating water flows, especially during dry season.

The allocation of capital from the State budget to Mekong Delta localities aims to help them build urgent and important facilities.

(Source: VNA)