Representatives of the donor countries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) inked an agreement to this effect in Hà Nội on January 12.

Addressing the signing ceremony, MARD Minister Cao Đức Phát said that after two phases the program had churned out encouraging outcomes in improving living standard and health quality for rural residents.

However, problems relating to water quality, hygiene improvement, and post-investment sustainability need to be addressed in Phase III. Hence, the credit is expected to assist Việt Nam in fulfilling its targets set for Phase III. Việt Nam pledges to spare no effort to make full use of the aid, affirmed Minister Phát. 

The aid highlights strong determination and long-term support of foreign donors to the cause of rural development in Việt Nam, said AusAID Minister Counsellor Michael Wilson.

In the third phase, the national target program targets to help 85% of the population access to clean and hygienic water; 65% of rural households to have standard toilets; 45% of rural households engaging in husbandry to have hygienic breeding facilities.

Kindergartens, primary schools, communal healthcare stations are expected to get access to clean water, standard toilets./.

By Kim Loan