Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a water conservation programme for the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta from 2012 to 2020.
The programme, with orientation until 2050, aims to help the region face climate change challenges including rising sea levels. It covers 3.96 million ha in all the 12 delta provinces of Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, An Giang, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Kien Giang as well as Can Tho City.
The programme is expected to benefit 32 million residents (estimated for 2050) in the delta, 12 million of them in coastal areas and the remaining 20 million people residing in flood-prone areas.
A total investment of VND171.7 trillion (over US$8.2 billion) is required to implement projects under the scheme.
This includes VND85.26 trillion ($4.1 billion) for irrigation works in the area between the Tien and Hau rivers; VND37.78 trillion ($1.8 billion) for the Ca Mau Peninsula; VND33.98 trillion ($1.6 billion) for the area to the left of the Tien River; VND13.44 trillion ($646 million) for the Long Xuyen Quadrilateral; and VND1.22 trillion ($58 million) for irrigation works on islands in the region.
The irrigation works will include sea and river embankments, canals, reservoirs, flood-control facilities, spillways and flood-control dams.
