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Apr 18, 2016 / 12:30

Hanoi: “Partnership on water” for better Old Quarter

At the lighting ceremony on April 16, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Nienke Trooster said that the Hang Dau water tower is chosen for the project as her country wants to show its respect for the beautiful and long-standing structure of Hanoi.

 
The Hang Dau water tower is being illuminated at night
The Hang Dau water tower is being illuminated at night
The Hang Dau water tower illumination project is part of the campaign “Tomorrow is Green” launched by the Dutch Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam in 2015. Themed “Vietnam – the Netherlands: Partnership on water”, the campaign also demonstrates the two countries’ strong and effective partnership in climate change adaptation and water management. From April 16 – 27, the Hang Dau water tower, a historical relic with special architecture in Hanoi, is being illuminated at night , a project sponsored by the Netherlands. 

The water tower, located on Hang Dau street in Hoan Kiem district, was built in 1894. It is decorated with LED lights funded by Dutch company Philips. The illumination project aims to attract city dwellers to the relic and remind them of the importance of water as well as water protection. 

Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, is facing a fierce drought, she noted, adding that all people must join hands in resolving water and climate change issues and seeking green solutions to attain sustainable development and prosperity. 

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Doan Toan thanked the Dutch Embassy and Philips company. He said the capital city has had sound cooperation with Dutch localities, particularly Amsterdam city, in such fields as urban planning, heritage preservation, tertiary education, water management and climate change adaptation. He added that Hanoi hopes to receive more assistance from and have long-term cooperation with the Netherlands. 

Hanoi ’s Old Quarter took shape early in the 15th century, with a northern boundary of Hang Dau, a southern boundary of Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go and Hang Thung, an eastern boundary of Tran Nhat Duat and Tran Quang Khai, and a western boundary of Phung Hung. 

The Old Quarter consisted of people working in a range of handicraft trading industries, and small businesses, making it different from all other Old Quarters in the world. 121 cultural heritage and historical monuments, and over 1,080 ancient houses were found in Hanoi ’s Old Quarter, attracting a significant number of foreign visitors every year.