World Bank Approves Project to Improve Living Environment for Over Half a Million People in Southern Viet Nam
WASHINGTON —The World Bank Board of Directors today approved the Binh Duong Province Water Environment Improvement Project. This initiative is set to significantly improve water quality and wastewater treatment for over half a million residents in southern Viet Nam.
“Across Vietnam, challenges like untreated wastewater and inadequate drainage harm health and risk reducing GDP by 3.5% annually by 2035,” said Carolyn Turk, World Bank Country Director for Viet Nam. “This project is an important step in creating a cleaner, healthier environment in Binh Duong province, contributing to sustainable growth and development.”
With a total investment of $311 million, of which $231 million is financed by the World Bank, the project is designed to transform wastewater management in Thuan An, Di An, and Tan Uyen cities of Viet Nam’s Binh Duong southern province, covering an area of more than 33,000 hectares, with a total population of around 1.4 million. Currently, these areas have limited sewage collection and treatment capabilities, with coverage critically low. The investment will substantially expand these services, directly benefiting approximately 550,000 residents by 2032.
The project will increase wastewater services from under 10% to 32% in Tan Uyen City, and from 17-19% to 45% in Thuan An and Di An Cities. This targeted improvement in high-density urban areas is crucial for reducing pollution in the Sai Gon and Dong Nai River systems.
The engineering designs incorporate future climate scenarios, ensuring that the infrastructure is resilient and sustainable in the long term. This includes selecting technical solutions that are energy-efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the project integrates principles of the circular economy, which means it focuses on resource efficiency and sustainability. For instance, the use of LED lighting and solar panels will reduce energy consumption, while the innovative reuse of treated sludge and wastewater will contribute to a more sustainable management of resources.
The remaining sum of $80 million for the project comes from the Government of Viet Nam’s budget.