Vietnam needs an estimated VND3 trillion ($142.2 million) to upgrade 317 water reservoirs in a move to ensure the safety of people during the flooding season, said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat. Mr. Phat released the figure at a Q&A session of the ongoing sitting of the National Assembly (NA), the country’s legislative body, in Hanoi on Nov 20. Despite the state budget shortage, the government has prioritized the capital for upgrading reservoirs which are at risks of leakage or break, with an aim to raise their withstanding capacity against possible fierce storms. Currently 18% of total 6,800 reservoirs are being serious downgraded as they have been built for 30-40 years, which are like “water bombs” hanging over thousands of local people, Mr. Phat noted. The government plans to put aside VND580 billion for reinforcing 51 more reservoirs next year, he added. (Nong Nghiep Viet Nam – Agriculture Nov 21 p2)
