In response to the recent catastrophic floods in central Vietnam, Australian water treatment innovation has been mobilised to provide safe drinking water to thousands of victims in flood-affected Thừa Thiên Huế, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Nam, Quảng Trị, and Quảng Ngãi.
The Australian Water Association has coordinated with DuPont Water Solutions, SkyJuice, Disaster Aid Australia, the Nguyen Family, the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), Thua Thien Hue Water Supply Company (HueWACO), Quang Tri Water Supply Company (QTWaco), Tradelinks Logistics & Services Co., and the Government of Vietnam to deploy water treatment systems into areas of most need.
“Within the span of a single month, central Vietnam has faced five storms and two tropical depressions, bringing with them heavy rains, floods and landslides. The storms have also displaced more than 90,000 people and more than 130,000 houses have been flooded,” said Van Anh, Deputy Director General of Water Resource Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie welcomed the initiative and congratulated those involved from the Australian and Vietnamese water sectors.
“During the recent bushfires that devastated many parts of Australia, we saw the kindness and generosity of the Vietnamese people in their outpouring of support for victims. I am heartened to see such reciprocity in times of need from the Australian water sector. This initiative illustrates the deep ties between our countries’ water sectors and warmth of relationships between our people,” said Ambassador Mudie.
The initiative builds from the long-term partnership between the Australian Water Association, the Vietnam Water Supply Association, and the Vietnam National Centre for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation to connect their water sectors, share knowledge and innovation, and inspire a sustainable water future.
“Australia knows all too well the catastrophic impacts of extremes in flood and drought and the critical role the water sector plays in emergency response efforts,” said the Australian Water Association’s Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman.
“Our hearts go out to those impacted by the floods and we are pleased to be able to coordinate with our partners the provision of Australian water treatment systems to help with the recovery efforts. This illustrates the power of partnerships and the good will of the Australian and Vietnamese water sectors to help out in times of need.”
“We thank HueWACO and QTWaco for their generosity and support for flood victims,” said Mrs Ha Thanh Hang, Head of Policy and International Cooperation at the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association.
“On behalf of HueWACO, I thank all those contributing to this initiative to provide safe drinking water to those rural communities in need from flood-affected areas of Nam Dong and A Luoi districts. We will ensure the systems are built and maintained correctly for the benefit of flood impacts in our region,” said Mr Truong Cong Nam, Chairman of the HueWACO Board.
“QTWaco wish to express our sorrow for all those impacted by the floods and thank all those contributing to safe drinking water technology to assist those in need from Trieu Phong and Hai Lang districts. QTWaco will ensure the systems are well looked after and operate well into the future,” said Mr Dao Ba Hieu, Chairman of the QTWaco Board.
Tradelinks Logistics & Services Co. assisted with the local transportation of the water filters to Thua Thien Hue Province and Quang Tri province. Managing Director David Linh expressed his sympathy for the damages and loss caused by the recent natural disasters.
“We hope that this support will help to alleviate the difficulties that the people of central Vietnam have faced,” he said.
The Australian-manufactured ultrafiltration membrane technology provided by SkyJuice and Dupont Water Solutions will be deployed in schools and community buildings in most need, providing 10,000L per day for each system deployed. The systems are designed to provide immediate relief during the recovery period but also provide resilience from future floods.
“DuPont Water Solutions is pleased to contribute to the flood relief effort in Vietnam by donating the Skyhydrant ultrafiltration units for emergency drinking water supply,” said Bruce Biltoft, Regional Commercial Manager ANZ.
“We would like to acknowledge the support of all the donors and contributors and we wish the residents a speedy recovery from the flood crisis.”
To assist with the local engineering and installation costs, the Australian Water Association received donations from the Nguyen Family, Disaster Aid Australia, and Chemist Discount Centre Mornington.
“Chemist Discount Centre Mornington is thrilled to be able to play a small part in this great cause. Our family is especially excited to help the most disadvantaged in Vietnam, the country of our origin. We hope to continue to contribute to such worthy causes.”
