Many proposals were made at the meeting. Dealing with the effects of salinity is a priority for all provinces in the region. Nearly all of the 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta region have been severely affected by drought and salinity. More than one million people lack water. In some areas, locals have to use salty water instead of fresh water. The levels of water shortage have put the region on high alert.
"This year, salinity is very severe. Our province has so many difficulties. At this meeting, we recommend that the Government provide support soon for our provinces." - Nguyen Van The, Secretary of Soc Trang District.
"Each province has their own types of production. For example, in our Bạc Liêu Province, shrimp farming is our strength so we need saline water. But increasing saline water will affect the daily life of locals. So solutions must be harmonized throughout the whole of the Mekong Delta region." - Duong Thanh Trung, Chairman, People’s Committee of Bac Lieu Province.
At the meeting the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Đức Phát, said that the effects of climate change will intensify in the future. Besides long-term solutions based on building infrastructure, digging for groundwater at a depth of 300 metres is now being considered as a short-term solution.
"We are implementing a project to connect all the water sources within the delta. I think planning and connecting water sources are possible solutions towards the delta’s sustainable development. However it’s long-term. For the short-term, we need to keep updated with each province to support locals." - Hoang Van Thang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The issue of controlling drought and salinity is being tackled seriously in all the provinces of the delta.
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development must continue looking for groundwater sources, so we can complete our map of underground water, both fresh and saline. This will help firms and locals maintain their businesses." - Deputy Prime Minister
With the current pace of salinity, the Mekong Delta region is expected to become exhausted in the next three years. Farming land, food and fresh water are all scarce. If the situation doesn't change soon, this will be the most severe water shortage in Mekong Delta region for the last 100 years.
