Huynh Van Luan, a 65-year-old resident of Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, has climbed up mountains and down deep caves to seek freshwater sources for people in his neighborhood for the past 30 years.

Luan lives on Hon Son Island off Kien Giang Province, which often faces a shortage of fresh water.

As a result, Luan has spent his efforts hunting water sources in mountain caves to help supplement fresh water for local residents although there is a water treatment plant in the region, said Giang Van Tai, chairman of the People’s Committee of Lai Son Commune, Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province.

One day, Luan had to travel through sandy areas and slippery moss-covered rocks to reach a cave in Ma Thien Lanh Mountain in Kien Hai District. 

The way to the cave was full of luxuriant trees and creepers, forcing Luan to cut down some of them.

He had to also mark the way back in order not to get lost.

“I learned the job from my ancestors who hunted springs in mountain caves. The work requires good health and experience," Luan said.

"Going up the mountains is hard, but going down into deep caves to find water springs is even harder. Sometimes I reach the caves but the water sources are unstable, so I have to give up.

“After finding water resources, it is also difficult to pipe water to my neighborhood. [I have to design] pipelines along mountain slopes from deep caves."

Luan bought plastic pipes at about VND200,000 (US$8) per 40 meters to lead water to his neighborhood.

He used a barrel with a filter inside to prevent sand and soil from dirtying the water in caves. 

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