Hau Giang Freshwater Reservoir in Can Tho City Remains Unoperational After Two Years

The Hau Giang freshwater reservoir, constructed in Can Tho City, a key urban center in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, has remained unoperational for over two years since its completion. Located in Vinh Tuong village, the reservoir's full functionality is hindered by the absence of an established operating procedure. While the project aimed to stabilize freshwater supply in the region, the delay in its operational commencement is postponing the achievement of its initial objectives. Furthermore, despite the facility not being in use, budget allocations for its maintenance continue to be disbursed, drawing criticism for the ineffective utilization of invested resources. Vietnam has been prioritizing infrastructure development in recent years, with water resource management and flood control being critical issues, particularly in the Mekong Delta. In this context, the failure of a large-scale infrastructure project to operate as planned could raise questions about the government's execution capabilities and the evaluation process for investment projects. This situation may also highlight challenges in the decision-making processes within a one-party system, the implementation capacity of local authorities, and coordination with the central government. Can Tho City is one of the driving forces of Vietnam's economic growth, with thriving sectors beyond agriculture, including seafood processing and tourism. Such infrastructural delays could indirectly affect the region's economic development. Source: Nhan Dan