Vietnam eyes ending flooding in urban centres by 2050

The revised decision No.589/QD-TTg dated April 6, 2016 was developed and issued based on decision No.1930/QD-TTg dated November 20, 2009 by the Prime Minister.

The new decision is intended to improve the legal framework for drainage development, develop comprehensive and stable systems of water drainage which involve the construction of networks of wastewater-collecting culverts and treatment plants, increase connections to sewers by households and ensure regular maintenance of the drainage systems.

The government targets expanding the service capacity of urban drainage systems to more than 70% and to have rainwater drainage systems installed in all urban roads and residential streets by 2020.

By 2025, 50% of wastewater from urban centres of grade II upwards and 20% of wastewater from grade V upwards will be collected and treated up to defined standards while the service capacity of urban drainage systems will be increased to over 80%.

The country aims to stop flooding and have 100% of daily-life wastewater treated up to defined standards in all urban centres by 2050.

The government will address environmental pollution by revising urban drainage planning in light of climate change and developing maps of areas prone to flooding, landslides and flashfloods.

Projects on environmental issues in residential areas will also be prioritised while localities are encouraged to support craft villages and industrial businesses in building proper drainage systems.