Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucunderlined the pressing need to focus resources on tackling climate change inthe Mekong Delta in the wake of landslides along river banks, canals andseashores threatening life and property of local residents.
At a working session with representatives of 13 Mekong Deltalocalities in Hanoi on May 9, the leader listed An Giang, Dong Thap, Ca Mau andBac Lieu as the most affected by landslides.
He said following the issuance of Government Resolution No.120 on sustainable development in the Mekong Delta in response to climatechange, mid- and long-term capital has been allocated to deal with 17 out of 42specially dangerous spots.
Apart from reinforcing dykes, localities in the regionshould address a number of issues of public concern like the unplanned andover-exploitation of sand and gravel, while heeding forestation.
He also urged the localities to adjust the planning ofresidential areas and production, along with stepping up cooperation withregional countries in regulating water flows, especially during dry season.
The PM decided to allocate part of the State budget toMekong Delta localities, helping them build urgent and important facilities,and part of the country’s ODA fund to form a climate change fund in the region.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) wasassigned to make proposals on support for localities, which will be sent to theMinistries of Finance, and Planning and Investment.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment will submit theproposal to the PM before May 15.
The MARD reported that landslides have occurred at 562 locationsof river banks and seashores, with a total length of 786km, of which 42 spotsstretching 149km in specially dangerous conditions.
It needs about 6.99 trillion VND (307.56 million USD) toreinforce such eroded locations, the ministry said.-VNA