The Prime Minister directed to focus on responding to saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, from March 10-15, the peak period of saltwater intrusion will occur. Previously, the Southern provinces had prolonged hot weather, affecting freshwater sources in many regions in the Mekong Delta, especially Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang.

Many households have encountered drinking water difficulties, especially in the provinces' coastal areas: Ben Tre, Tien Giang, and Soc Trang.

To proactively respond, the Prime Minister requested the Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Construction, Health, National Defense, Public Security, and Chairman of the People's Committees of 13 provinces and regional cities. The Mekong Delta closely monitors the situation and implements the Prime Minister's direction in Official Telegram No. 04/CT-TTg dated January 15, 2024.

Simultaneously, the Prime Minister directed the Chairman of the People's Committees of Mekong Delta provinces and cities to proactively allocate resources, mobilize on-site forces and vehicles, and immediately deploy appropriate measures to ensure fresh water sources for production and daily life of the people, do not let people lack domestic water or use domestic water that does not guarantee quality.

Localities are responsible for closely and promptly monitoring information about water shortages and saltwater intrusion in each area of the locality and proactively deploying response measures according to the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment focuses on closely monitoring water resource developments, forecasting and providing timely information on the water resource situation on the Mekong River and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta so that localities can know, proactively take measures to prevent and respond to the water shortage risk.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to monitor developments to have specialized forecasts on water sources, water quality, risks of water shortage, and saltwater intrusion to provide information to localities and people.

At the same time, MARD proactively directs and guides localities to deploy water shortage and saltwater intrusion prevention and control under actual developments in each area, limiting impacts on agricultural production.

The Head of the Government also directed the Minister of Construction to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and localities to research and deploy proactive plans for domestic water sources for people in areas where water shortages and saltwater intrusion often occur every year.

The Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang to directly monitor and direct the implementation of this Official Telegram and Official Telegram No.04/CT-TTg.

The Government Office is responsible for monitoring, urging, and inspecting the implementation situation and promptly reporting to Government leaders on issues that arise and exceed its authority.