The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Vietnam Office signed a Record of Discussion with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and other concerned authorities to provide a non-refundable ODA fund of around 250 million JPY (roughly 45 billion VND) for the Project on “Establishing Sustainable Water Supply System Resilient to the Contamination of Drinking Water Sources”.

It is under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)1 Program.

The project focuses on research and development of new water treatment technology using advance nanofiltration membranes.

The developed technology is expected to consume less energy and chemicals, require no pretreatment, and significantly reduce initial investment and operation as well as management costs.

In addition, an online water quality monitoring system will be deployed to improve the reliability of the water treatment system.

It is planned to be implemented in 5 years, from July 2023 to June 2028, with the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering and the Hai Phong Water Joint Stock Company as main executing agencies in Vietnam.

The project is expected to address the challenges posed by contaminants discharged by domestic and industrial wastewater, ensure safe and sustainable water supply, implement the National Strategy and Master Plan related to clean water supply and environmental sanitation, and ensure the security of national water resources to meet the Sustainable Development Goals that the Government of Vietnam has committed to implement.

Population growth, urbanization and high growth rates in provinces and cities have increased pressure on natural resource exploitation, especially water exploitation.

The increase of water pollution and climate change has created many challenges for ensuring safe water supply, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Accordingly, the establishment of sustainable water treatment technology and a digital monitoring and management system is important and expected to contribute to building a pilot model for replication in the future.

(Source: JICA)