Log in
Social Affairs

Urban flood control remains urgent issue in Vietnam

The main cause of waterlogging in heavy rain is because the drainage infrastructure has become obsolete, overloaded and of poor quality.

Vietnam’s large urban areas are frequently flooded when heavy rain occurs as the drainage system is obsolete and overloaded, making urban flood control a pressing issue in the country.

Solutions to this issue were discussed by leading experts in this field at the workshop "Urban storm water management and flood control" held by the Ministry of Construction and JICA (Japan) in Hanoi on November 15.
 
Conference scene
Conference scene
At present, in Vietnam’s urban areas, drainage infrastructure is mainly built in urban centers of all 63 provinces and cities.

The drainage system is used  for wastewater and rainwater interchangeably. Most of the drainage systems are self-draining, so they often experience waterlogging in case of heavy rain.

Statistics from the Department of Technical Infrastructure under the Ministry of Construction shows that Ho Chi Minh City has the most flooded sites in the country with about 220 points, Hanoi with nearly 190 points, Can Tho City with 107 points, Da Nang City with 50 points.

The main cause of waterlogging in heavy rain is because the drainage infrastructure has become old, overloaded and of poor quality. In Hanoi, for example, the sewer rate is 0.46m/person compared to the world average of 2m/person.

To date, all provinces and cities in Vietnam have implemented drainage and wastewater treatment projects. There are 44 large-scale drainage and wastewater treatment projects in operation and over 50 projects are under construction.

Speaking at the workshop, Head of Wastewater and Sewerage Management Department under the Ministry of Construction Tran Thi Thao Huong has proposed solutions to solve the issue by attracting investment resources, mobilizing capital from ODA, PPP to accelerate the implementation of projects as planned.

In addition to the government, Vietnamese people have to raise their sense of responsibility. They themselves have to directly participate in protecting the drainage system, such as throwing garbage in right places, building houses in accordance with the law, Huong added.

For their part, Japanese experts presented their experiences of water drainage and urban flood control in Yokohama, Osaka, focusing on coordination between the government and the private sector, increasing the participation of private enterprises in infrastructure investment and waste water management.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
PM requests emergency in house rebuilding for flood-hit residents 

PM requests emergency in house rebuilding for flood-hit residents 

The Government leader has called the mission a mandate from the heart, urging all authorities to act as a moral commitment to the people.

Two-tier local government model strengthens Hanoi’s efforts to end urban flooding

Two-tier local government model strengthens Hanoi’s efforts to end urban flooding

Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Tien analyzes why Hanoi still faces chronic flooding, explains weaknesses in drainage planning and implementation and outlines how the two-tier local government model can support long-term solutions.

PetroVietnam advances nationwide STEM classrooms to drive innovation and future talent

PetroVietnam advances nationwide STEM classrooms to drive innovation and future talent

PetroVietnam expands its STEM Innovation program to develop high-quality classrooms and strengthen Vietnam’s future workforce in science, technology and innovation.

Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 spreads joy through simple things

Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 spreads joy through simple things

The Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 honors the idea that joy comes from everyday moments and Vietnamese smiles, sharing a spirit of happiness with the world.

Flood-hit people to have houses by Lunar New Year as committed by Vietnamese Government

Flood-hit people to have houses by Lunar New Year as committed by Vietnamese Government

Rebuilding houses for disaster-affected residents must be linked with rural and regional plans to ensure immediate recovery and long-term safety.

Investments in infrastructures, teaching staff to drive English to become second language

Investments in infrastructures, teaching staff to drive English to become second language

Vietnam’s ambition to make English a second language in all schools has gained strong support, yet teachers, experts and lawmakers warn that the plan requires major upgrades in infrastructure, staffing and policy to succeed nationwide.

Four American scientists win 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize for HPV vaccine breakthroughs

Four American scientists win 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize for HPV vaccine breakthroughs

Four American scientists received the 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize in Hanoi for pioneering discoveries that led to the HPV vaccine, recognized as a major breakthrough in preventing HPV-related tumors and advancing global public health.

Vietnam's health sector pushes zero-fee hospital treatment for all

Vietnam's health sector pushes zero-fee hospital treatment for all

The policy is a financial measure to carry profound social significance, promote fairness in access to health services so that no one is left behind.