Proposal to increase support for public irrigation services by 1.4 times

During the session on the economic and social development issues at the National Assembly on the afternoon of November 1, Delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Anh from Bac Ninh province delivered a speech concerning the investment in the maintenance, repair, and prevention of degradation of irrigation works, as well as the livelihood improvement of aquaculture workers.

Insufficient maintenance funding

The delegate stated that the irrigation infrastructure received relatively consistent attention and investment, with a total of 86,200 irrigation works. Furthermore, there are 98 companies managing and operating irrigation systems nationwide, ensuring a stable water supply for approximately 7.3 million hectares of rice fields, and 1.5 million hectares of vegetables and industrial trees.

Reportedly, these irrigation systems supply 6.3 billion cubic meters of water for daily life and industrial activities as well as salt prevention and alkalinity reduction to support agriculture.

"However, the majority of these irrigation management businesses are encountering difficulties. The transition from a fee mechanism to a pricing system for water products and services has been impractical. Accordingly, these issues stem from a complex price calculation and promulgation process, which is not suitable for the characteristics of an irrigation work. Additionally, low support levels for the provision of water-related utility products and services also affect management efforts," stressed Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh.

As a result, only a small number of companies gained an alternative revenue source from power generation or supplying raw water to production units. On the other hand, the main revenue source for most businesses operating irrigation works originates from water utility product and service support.

A review of the ten years between 2012 and 2023 revealed that the level of irrigation support fees has remained relatively unchanged, whereas input costs such as salaries, electricity, materials, construction supplies, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) have increased by 1.4 to 1.7 times.

"The issue of cost fluctuations have not been fully addressed by financial support from the central budget," emphasized delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Anh.

Government Decree No. 96/2018 dictates that the price structure for water utility products and services  must include salaries, maintenance, construction repairs, and other fees. However, the price is currently calculated based on the central support fee level.

"As a result, irrigation costs have not been accurately calculated," affirmed Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, who further stated that the income for aquaculture irrigation companies is too low to cover the minimum expenses for salaries and fuel.

The annual budget for the maintenance and repair of irrigation works is insufficient, except for facilities with the capacity to collect additional funds from providing water and electricity for households.

According to the review by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are numerous reservoirs, dams, pumping stations, and thousands of kilometers of canals that have deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance. This includes 337 severely damaged reservoirs, posing high risks and jeopardizing safety.

"In the context of climate change, heavy rains and flooding, if one or more of these reservoirs break, it will cause flooding in the lower regions, directly affecting water supply for domestic use and agricultural production," highlighted the delegate regarding the issue.

Many workers are abandoning their posts

According to Ms. Kim Anh, the salary for irrigation workers is exceptionally low. Several workers only earn over 4 million Vietnamese dong per month despite their long tenure. Moreover, these workers are subject to demanding work conditions due to the vast territorial areas of the irrigation works, and difficulties in transportation.

In addition to the low salaries, irrigation workers suffer from salary debts as their employing companies typically receive their budget in the third quarter of the fiscal year. This issue is caused by the complex procedures for ordering and paying for irrigation products and services, which can result in payment delays.

"Despite their love for the profession and their desire to remain attached to it, many irrigation workers have started looking for other jobs to ensure their livelihoods, significantly reducing the experienced workforce in the  field," Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh presented.

To address the aforementioned limitations, and contribute to ensuring water security and safety of lakes, dams, and water reservoirs, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh proposed several solutions.

Firstly, the National Assembly needs to consider raising the level of support for the provision of irrigation products and servicesby approximately 1.4 times by 2024. Additionally, the Natiional Assembly must  outline a schedule for gradual increase every year to ensure alignment with the rise in input costs.

These efforts will secure funds for the management, maintenance, and repair, ensuring the safety of irrigation works, with a focus on severely deteriorated structures.

Secondly, the Government needs to promptly review and amend Decree No. 96/2018 on guiding the implementation of the 2023 Law on Price, by aiming for accurate and comprehensive cost accounting in line with the characteristics of the irrigation industry.

Amendments and additions to Decree No. 32/2019 should be shifted towards simplifying procedures for ordering and payment support for irrigation products and services.

Thirdly, the Government needs to establish policies to ensure appropriate wage levels, reward systems, and welfare to alleviate difficulties for irrigation workers, thereby providing them with a sense of security in their work.