Gov’t provides financial assistance for Mekong Delta to deal with erosions

The Government chief also agreed in principle to supplement VND1,000 billion from the investment capital resource planed for the 2016-2020 period to support some localities to cope with erosions, according to a recent announcement released by the Government Office.

Riverbank, canal and coastal erosions are threatening safety of residential areas and infrastructure facilities across the region, especially in such the provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu.

Erosions have been seen in 562 sites along the coastal areas with a total length of 786 km.

The Government chief also tasked inferior levels to consolidate dyke systems and tighten management over sand exploitation along rivers and coastal areas while increasing coverage of coastal mangrove forests to protect dykes.

He asked for close coordination with upper stream countries, particularly China and Laos to regulate the flows in dry seasons.

The PM also agreed in principle to add US$36 million in official development assistance to set up a climate change adaption fund for the Mekong Delta.

He also agreed to task inferior levels to seek resources for the fund to address urgent issues caused by climate change.

By Thuy Dung