Ambassador of Belgium in Vietnam Paul Jansen and delegates cut the ribbon inaugurating Cau Ngoi channel. Photo: Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam

On June 24, the inauguration of the construction work at Cau Ngoi channel – a climate change adaptation pilot investment, funded by the Belgian and Vietnamese governments was held.

Cau Ngoi channel which its total length of 7,179.7 m, passing through Thanh Hai Commune, Van Hai Ward (of Phan Rang – Thap Cham City) and Khanh Hai Town (of Ninh Hai district) provides water for 2,682.09ha of production and domestic water for thousands of households around. Over many years of operation, up to now, the channel has been degraded, the two banks are eroded, causing water loss in the dry season and flooding in the rainy season.

Since 2005 Belgian development cooperation has been ongoing in Ninh Thuan province with projects supporting the fields of irrigation, sanitation and protection of the environment. Commencing in 2013, the Cau Ngoi channel project was resourced with EUR 9 million (USD 10.2 million) in grant funds from the Belgian government.

It will directly benefit 30,000 locals including women and children by reducing local flooding and other problems such as health and hygiene concerns during periods of heavy rain.

The inauguration event also marks the completion of the project on water management and urban development in response to climate change and the closure of the successful Belgian ODA project in Ninh Thuan province.

VNF