Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Nguyen has kick-started a rural clean water supply and environmental sanitation program in the 2011-2015 period with a total investment of VND300 billion ($14.35 million). Of the sum, VND120 billion comes from the state budget and international support, VND60 billion from the provincial budget and VND90 billion from credit loans, the state-run Vietnam News Agency said April 20. The spending will be used to build fresh water supply systems with a capital of VND225 billion, 11,600 hygienic latrines worth VND23 billion in 58 communes and 55 latrine works totaling VND10 billion at local schools. By 2015, the province targets to bring fresh water to 95% of its rural population from current 65%, standard toilets to 75% of rural households from current 43%, hygienic breeding facilities to 65% of those engaged in husbandry. Vietnam aims to help 90% of its population to enjoy tap water by 2020 and 100% by 2025. (Vietnamplus.vn April 20, Thoi Bao Kinh Te – Vietnam Economic Times April 21 p2)
