The Japanese Government has provided US$7 million to help Viet Nam strengthen environmental water management. Technical assistance will be provided by the Japan International Co-operation Agency.
Under the agreement signed between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Viet Nam Environment Protection Administration (VEPA) and JICA, the project will be implemented over three years from June.
The project aims at enhancing the water management for officers in the ministry in Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Thua Thien-Hue, HCM City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Apart from supplying Japanese technical experts, the project will also provide equipment and training in Japan for Vietnamese officers.
Research from the recently completed Study on Water Environment Management in River Basins in Viet Nam by JICA and VEA will be used in the project.
VEPA director general Bui Cach Tuyen said the water environment was being polluted at an alarming rate, especially in major river basins such as Cau, Nhue-Day and Sai Gon-Dong Nai.
The project is expected to utilise the outcomes of a previous study, Water Environment Management in River Basins, particularly in the Cau River Basin in Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan provinces.
Tsuno Motonori, chief representative of JICA Viet Nam, said Viet Nam was facing a similar situation to Japan 40 years ago. "We have learned plenty of lessons and have experience in overcoming problems, particularly by using trained environmental officers," he said. "We hope this experience will improve the quality of lives and help ensure sustainable development," Motonori added.