Long An residents face water scarcity
Thousands of households in the Mekong Delta province of Long An have had to buy clean water at exorbitant prices due to the prolonged droughts and saltwater intrusion.
Many households in Tan Lap Commune in Can Giuoc District have queued overnight or in the early morning to buy clean water at prices of VND200,000-300,000 (USD8-12) per cubic metre, 10-15 times higher than usual.
A resident, Dang Thi Phuong, 63, said that over the past month, she has had to queue to buy clean water from 1-2 am. Many other households have visited relatives in other localities to get water.
According to Tan Lap Commune Vice Chairman Nguyen Thanh Tu, more than 4,700 local households with 20,000 people have been hit by the water scarcity since early March. The commune needs around 1,800 cubic metres of water for daily use, but suppliers can ensure 500 cubic metres per day.
Commune authorities have asked water suppliers, including Biwase-Long An Joint Stock Company and the Bang Tam Environment and Water Supply Joint Stock Company, to arrange freshwater tankers for the residents.
Nguyen Duc Anh, chairman of Can Giuoc District People's Committee, said that the freshwater shortage has affected Tan Lap Commune and part of Phuoc Vinh Tay Commune. The people have been advised to store and save freshwater when supplied. Water supply firms have been asked to arrange tankers to bring water to areas.
The district will conduct a review of underground water wells and stop contracts with unqualified water suppliers.
Many households in Tan Lap Commune in Can Giuoc District have queued overnight or in the early morning to buy clean water at prices of VND200,000-300,000 (USD8-12) per cubic metre, 10-15 times higher than usual.
Long An suffers the severe drought
A resident, Dang Thi Phuong, 63, said that over the past month, she has had to queue to buy clean water from 1-2 am. Many other households have visited relatives in other localities to get water.
According to Tan Lap Commune Vice Chairman Nguyen Thanh Tu, more than 4,700 local households with 20,000 people have been hit by the water scarcity since early March. The commune needs around 1,800 cubic metres of water for daily use, but suppliers can ensure 500 cubic metres per day.
Commune authorities have asked water suppliers, including Biwase-Long An Joint Stock Company and the Bang Tam Environment and Water Supply Joint Stock Company, to arrange freshwater tankers for the residents.
Nguyen Duc Anh, chairman of Can Giuoc District People's Committee, said that the freshwater shortage has affected Tan Lap Commune and part of Phuoc Vinh Tay Commune. The people have been advised to store and save freshwater when supplied. Water supply firms have been asked to arrange tankers to bring water to areas.
The district will conduct a review of underground water wells and stop contracts with unqualified water suppliers.
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