Management and operation of centralized rural water supply projects

The province currently has more than 1,840 centralized water supply works, ensuring clean water for nearly 97% of the rural population. The province has implemented many measures to strengthen the management and operation of centralized water supply works, contributing to improving the quality of life of the people and public health.

Phieng Khoi Commune Water Supply Station staff check and maintain the water filtration system.
Photo: PV

Our province has mountainous terrain, harsh climate and water resources that change with the seasons; along with that, climate change has reduced water resources, making it difficult to build, manage and operate domestic water supply works, some areas still lack water in the dry season or are polluted by agricultural production.

Departments, branches and localities promote community communication on saving and protecting water resources; apply digital technology such as IoT to monitor water quality in real time; repair and upgrade infrastructure, sustainably manage and invest in completing clean water projects. In particular, local authorities play a central role in monitoring and protecting water resources and guiding people to use them effectively.

Mr. Tran Van Hai, Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Water and Environmental Monitoring, said: Currently, the Center manages, exploits and operates 27 water supply projects, providing clean water to thousands of rural households in the province. The projects mainly take water from rivers, streams, reservoirs, process it and then distribute it to people. The unit has coordinated with local authorities to promote the use of water economically, raise awareness of water resource protection, and help the projects operate sustainably and effectively.

After the merger and establishment of the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the 2-level local government model came into operation, the management of assets, exploitation and operation of centralized water supply works have been implemented according to 4 models, including: Community model with local people directly participating in management and maintenance, suitable for small-scale works in remote areas. Private or state-owned enterprise model participating in exploitation, ensuring professionalism and economic efficiency. Model of public service units taking primary responsibility, with support from the state budget. Cooperative model with a combination of community and enterprises, encouraging people's participation. The models have helped clarify responsibilities from maintenance to fee collection, but there are still limitations in specialized human resources, equipment damaged by floods and difficulties in signing contracts. To overcome this, the province has directed to strengthen staff training and apply remote monitoring technology.

People in Hang Mon 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune, have access to clean water.

Mr. Lo Van Dieu, an employee of the Nong Lay - Tong Co centralized water supply station, Chieng La commune, said: In 2017, after receiving from the Center for Rural Clean Water and Environmental Sanitation (now the Center for Water and Environmental Monitoring), the water supply station operated under the cooperative model of managing and supplying water to nearly 2,000 households in the two old communes of Nong Lay and Tong Co, with a capacity of 1,500 m³/day and night. Up to now, the station still maintains this model, deducting a portion of revenue from commercial water to maintain machinery and pipelines.

In Phu Yen commune, there are 6 water supply works, ensuring the supply of domestic water for nearly 47,300 people. The local government always focuses on promoting people to use water economically and protect water resources. Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: Most of the commune's water sources are located in Muong Coi and Suoi To communes, the commune has coordinated to set up protection markers within a radius of 500m, and at the same time, propagate people not to use pesticides in this area. In addition, the commune regularly uses loudspeakers to call on households to use water economically and avoid waste.

The management, operation and exploitation of centralized rural water supply works have become routine, contributing to the construction of a green - clean - beautiful new countryside. To achieve the goal of 100% of households having clean water by 2028, more support policies from the State and close coordination between the government, community and businesses are needed, contributing to improving the quality of life for people in rural areas.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/nong-thon-moi/quan-ly-van-hanh-cac-cong-trinh-cap-nuoc-tap-trung-nong-thon-bmRXTRCNg.html