VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has agreed with the Construction Ministry's proposals to expand the flood shelter pilot model across the northern central and central coastal regions.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has agreed with the Construction Ministry's proposals to expand the flood shelter pilot model across the northern central and central coastal regions. 

Dung expressed his approval at a conference in the south-central province of Phu Yen yesterday, April 8, to review the implementation of a programme to help poor families in the two regions tackle floods.

The programme, which was implemented under the Prime Minister's Decision No 716/QD-TTg issued on June 14, 2012, targets 700 poor households in 14 flood-prone communes in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Phu Yen provinces.

Of them, 697 households have built steel-reinforced concrete flood shelters, each worth VND30 to 60 million (US$1,400-$2,800).

Dung praised the localities' active participation in the programme, despite limited support from the Government.

The PM expressed his hope that with the efforts of ministries, branches, localities and the entire population, the model would be replicated successfully, helping vulnerable areas during flood seasons.

At the conference, the Construction Ministry said the model had won the overwhelming support of local authorities and people.

The ministry suggested localities not involved in the programme study the pilot provinces to ready themselves when the model reaches them.

The northern central and central coastal regions cover a total area of 95,792sq.km, encompassing 14 cities and provinces and a population of over 19 million people, of which 60,000 households are classified as poor.

The flood shelter pilot model. 

Due to their geographical locations, the regions are usually hard hit by natural disasters, especially floods and storms.

Statistics show that over the past five years, natural disasters have killed more than 1,500 people and destroyed over 500,000 homes.

Khanh Hoa leaders

Prime Minister Dung also held a working session yesterday with key leaders of the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Dung praised the province's 2012 achievements, including its GDP growth of 8.5 per cent, average per capita income of more than $1,900, 26,500 new jobs, and a fall in the level of poor households to 5.56 per cent. In the first quarter of this year, Khanh Hoa also recorded strong GDP growth of 7.37 per cent.

Urging Khanh Hoa to continue its efforts, Dung said the province should focus on exploiting its maritime economy, developing tourism and attracting investment in coastal economic zones and industrial clusters.

The Government leader asked the province to protect the environment and landscape while developing its economy, and build new rural areas to reduce poverty.

The Government would create the best possible conditions for the province to develop, he stressed.

At the meeting, Dung and leaders of ministries and branches debated the province's proposals, including those related to three thermo-electric facilities in Van Phong, and Cam Ranh International Airport.

Source: VNS