WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Water is a resource needed in all aspects of life and is regarded as a decisive factor for Earth’s ecosystems survival. However, water resource has also become a limiting factor of social and economic development. For cities of the developing world, water is increasingly playing a vital role in sustainable urban development. Since economic reform known as “Doi Moi” (renovation) in 1986, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has undergone the rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization. As a result, the City has experienced critical environmental challenges in which water use and management have placed constraints on its sustainable development. These striking challenges include water shortage, pollution and depletion of surface and groundwater sources. The underlying reasons can be attributed to inadequate management practices. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of rapid urbanization and growing water resource problems. It also examines the management practices and analyze the root causes of water resource issues in the course of sustainable development.

Abbreviations: SAWACO - Sai Gon Water Supply Company; MARD - Ministry of Agricultural & Rural Development; MONRE – Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment; DONRE - Department of Natural Resources & Environment.