Vietnam’s Can Tho proposes developing $700,000 underground reservoirs to respond to floods
Monday, July 31, 2023, 19:10 GMT+7
The administration of Can Tho City in southern Vietnam has proposed building underground reservoirs to respond to floods and supply clean water to citizens, using the state budget.
The city suggested the Ministry of Science and Technology order a project to study and develop underground reservoirs to curb floods and supply water in response to climate change and saline intrusion in Can Tho and its vicinities with a price tag of VND17 billion (US$717,221).
As per the proposal, 10 percent of the capital for the project will be sourced from the budget for local scientific study projects allocated to the municipal Department of Science and Technology.
Can Tho is home to an interlacing system of rivers and canals and is located on the ground of alluvial soil with flat terrain which is gradually lower toward interior areas.
Over the past few years, climate change and other factors have caused Can Tho to suffer floods, seriously affecting its socio-economic activities. The main reasons for such floods are high tides and heavy rains.
Floods caused by high tides often occur in September, October, and November, specifically in the mornings and evenings of the fifteenth and thirtieth days of the lunar month.
High tides and torrential rains have caused serious and lasting flooding over the past two years.
Up to 61 streets in Ninh Kieu District were 0.4-0.5 meters under water. Many roads in Binh Thuy, O Mon, and Cai Rang Districts were also inundated.
Experience from neighboring countries shows that underground flood control reservoirs are a practical solution for storing rainwater in the rainy season and supplying water in the dry season, according to the People’s Committee of Can Tho City.
Underground reservoirs can prevent subsidence and store fresh water for production.
The city plans to build three underground reservoirs with a total capacity of 2,320 cubic meters on a pilot basis.
The project research and execution are projected to take 30 months.
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
