French Development Agency (AFD) funds freshwater project in Ninh Binh

The project, which was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No.972/QD-TTg dated May 19, 2025, consists of two parts: Construction of infrastructure adapting to climate change and technical assistance to improve capacity for sustainable development.

The project will dredge and embank Ca Mau river in order to bring freshwater to a reservoir; and build a 50-ha reservoir and 3.2 kilometers of water pipeline.

The project has total investment capital of 1.48 trillion VND, including 972 billion VND from an ODA loan. The construction time lasts from 2025 to 2028. The project will be carried out in the communes of Yen Tu, Yen Mac, Lai Thanh, Dinh Hoa, Binh Minh and Kim Dong.

The project’s investor has chosen consultant units to make feasibility study and environmental impact assessment reports.

However, the investor has not defined places to fill 1.5 million metric meters of waste.

AFD representatives requested the province to clarify a number of contents including the feasibility study report, environmental impact assessment results; connection between current infrastructure and future infrastructure development orientation; goals for using freshwater resources after the project is completed.

AFD experts suggested focusing on gender impact assessment, especially solutions to reduce labor burden and improve the lives of rural women; assess climate adaptability; ensure the project is suitable for coastal ecology and people's production practices; and pay attention to environmental reconstruction plans after the project comes into operation.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Cao Son affirmed that the AFD-funded projects have effectively supported the province in implementing the development strategy towards the sea, improving the environment and helping people stabilise their livelihoods.

Immediately after the working session, the provincial Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Management Board; relevant departments and branches fully accepted the opinions of the AFD Working Group and provided full documents and records as requested by the Group.

Son hoped that AFD will continue to pay attention to the project and soon complete the procedures as prescribed to ensure the project's progress.