Ensure universal access to safe, high-quality water, says Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van speaks at the opening ceremony of Vietnam Water Week 2025 on August 20.

At the opening ceremony of Vietnam Water Week 2025 on August 20, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van stressed that clean water supply, flood control, and wastewater treatment are essential to public health, socio-economic growth, and environmental protection.

He revealed that the Ministry of Construction is drafting the Water Supply and Drainage Law, expected to be finalized in 2026 and submitted to the National Assembly in 2027, while also working on amendments to the Construction Law and the Planning Law to better address sector needs.

In 2025, the Ministry will review the implementation of the Orientation for Water Supply and Drainage Development to 2025 with a vision to 2050, the Program for Reducing Water Loss and Non-Revenue Water, and the Safe Water Supply Program for 2016–2025. These will form the basis for a new orientation for 2026–2030, to be submitted to the Prime Minister.

The Deputy Minister praised the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association for its annual Vietnam Water Week, training, workshops, and policy contributions, including feedback on the draft Water Supply and Drainage Law.

He called on enterprises and partners to ensure universal access to clean water, improve water supply and drainage service quality, and guarantee system safety. He also highlighted the need for large-scale interprovincial water projects with climate resilience, integration of rural water supply, and comprehensive wastewater treatment to restore green water flows.

Urban and rural flooding must be addressed through interconnected drainage, irrigation, river basin management, rainwater regulation, and tidal control. He further encouraged the reuse of rainwater, wastewater, and sludge, aligning with green growth and circular economy goals.

Hải Ninh