Central-based locals eager to receive access to clean water

Local farming has been severely affected by the water shortages

Despite it being the year’s first heat wave, residents have already faced extreme difficulties in obtaining clean water. Current water sources from rainfall and underground streams are increasingly scarce during dry season, with some even being salinised and alum-contaminated.

Furthermore, in several far-flung areas, local water supply systems have long been deteriorated, therefore, failing to serve the surging demand for fresh water in the summer.

The situation has caused many disturbances to daily life and the agricultural activities of local residents. To meet family water demands, many people have to take time away from their work for long-distance travel to collect water outside their neighbourhoods.

Regarding their agricultural production, large areas have experienced withered crops and decreased productivity, with complete crop loss a possibility if the drought persists.

Successful schemes have created positive changes in the lives of residents

Hoping to share the burden with the people of central Vietnam by bringing fresh water to this arid region, Huda last year launched the Fresh Water for Beloved Central initiative, starting with three projects in the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Ha Tinh. Following early successes, from April the Central Pride Runs Deep brand began its second year of conducting impactful activities in many other locales within the region.

Hop Thanh, an agricultural commune in the eastern low-lying area of Yen Thanh district of the central province of Nghe An, is the site of Huda’s first project of 2020. The local fresh water supply system has been unable to meet the ever-increasing demand due to weak capacity combined with the deteriorating condition of the water pipes leading to frequent leaks and cracks.

Over the course of many days, residents in several areas have only had access to fresh water for a few hours a day for use in household activities including washing, cleaning, and cooking. Suffering from the unstable source of tap water, local residents have had to build their own rainwater reservoirs, using this meagre supply only as a last resort. They have long ceased using well water, once viewed as an answer to the fresh water shortage, due to high levels of salinity and alum.

Given the urgent circumstances, Huda’s fresh water project in Hop Thanh commune commenced work in April and is expected to be completed this month, just in time to meet the needs of residents in the face of summer heat waves. In the weeks and months leading up to the start of the project, Huda experts fast-tracked plans, undertook local surveys, and collaborated with local authorities and residents to settle on the most effective solution.

Based on local conditions, the proposed solution focused on repairing and restoring existing water supply systems, including the construction of water tanks and water filtration as well as upgrading and adding sedimentation and synchronised clarification systems.

The resulting doubling of water supply capacity has eased the fresh water challenge facing the residents of Hop Thanh, allowing them access to clean water needed for their daily lives and agricultural activities.

Relieved of the arduous task of collecting water from rivers and streams as well as its associated costs, commune households can now focus their resources on improving their quality of life.

In the second year of implementation, the Fresh Water for Beloved Central campaign is also expanding to Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri provinces. Granting an additional 15,000 people from 4,000 households access to fresh water through the annual programme, Huda has reaffirmed its commitment to bettering the lives of the residents of central Vietnam.