Approved by the World Bank Board of Directors on January 12, the Binh Duong Water Environment Improvement Project is set to address water quality and wastewater treatment for over 500,000 residents in southern Vietnam.
Carolyn Turk, the World Bank’s country director for Vietnam, emphasized the impact of challenges such as untreated wastewater and inadequate drainage on health and GDP, estimating a potential 3.5% annual reduction by 2035 across the country.
Turk highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “This initiative marks a crucial stride towards creating a cleaner, healthier environment in Binh Duong province, fostering sustainable growth and development.”
With a total investment of $311 million, the World Bank is contributing $231 million to the project, which aims to revolutionize wastewater management in Thuan An, Di An, and Tan Uyen cities, spanning an area exceeding 33,000 hectares and a population of approximately 1.4 million.
Currently facing limited sewage collection and treatment capabilities, these areas have notably low coverage. The investment aims to significantly expand services, directly benefiting around 550,000 residents by 2032.
Key targets include increasing wastewater services from under 10% to 32% in Tan Uyen, and from 17-19% to 45% in Thuan An and Di An. This strategic improvement in densely populated urban areas is crucial for mitigating pollution in the Saigon and Dong Nai river systems.
Moreover, the project embraces circular economy principles, prioritizing resource efficiency and sustainability. Innovations such as LED lighting, solar panels, and the reuse of treated sludge and wastewater contribute to more sustainable resource management.
The remaining $80 million for the project will be sourced from Vietnam’s state budget.
