VietNamNet Bridge - Irrigation reservoirs throughout the country, capable of containing 13.5 billion cubic meters, are now being called ‘water bombs’, threatening people in lowland areas. 

There are 6,648 irrigation reservoirs located in 45 out of 63 provinces and cities, most of which were built in the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, the technology was low and water demand was low, while investment capital and execution capability were limited. Many reservoirs have degraded dramatically.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), there are 702 large reservoirs with capacity of over 3 million cubic meters and dam height over 15 meters. Of these, signs of insecurity can be found at a number of reservoirs, including Khe Chinh, Rong Den, Tang An in Yen Bai province, Khe Chao in Bac Giang, Khe San in Nghe An and Thanh Nien in Quang Tri.

Of the 702 dams, 280 were built after 2000 or have been upgraded in accordance with 04-05:2012/BNNPTNT. Thus, their safety is ensured. Meanwhile, 422 out of 702 dams were built prior to 2000, designed in accordance with the old standards TCVN 5060-90.

While experts say there is no need to worry about the safety of large reservoirs, big problems have been found in 5,946 small reservoirs, which account for 89.4 percent of the total number of reservoirs.

Of the 702 dams, 280 were built after 2000 or have been upgraded in accordance with 04-05:2012/BNNPTNT. Thus, their safety is ensured. Meanwhile, 422 out of 702 dams were built prior to 2000, designed in accordance with the old standards TCVN 5060-90.

In many localities, there are reservoirs but they cannot serve irrigation, and they pose threats to local people. Luong Van Biec, director of My Loi Agriculture Cooperative, said Nui Mieu Reservoir in Phu My district of Binh Dinh province, built in 1983, has been infiltrated, while the dam roof has eroded. Though everyone can see the problems, the issue cannot be settled because of the lack of money.

The commune’s authorities have asked the cooperative to spend VND18-20 million to reinforce the dam roof with bamboo trees.

“We are worried about the vast reservoir and the thin dam consolidated with some bamboo trees,” he said, adding that he cannot understand why there is no budget for the maintenance of an important reservoir with a basin of 4 kilometers and capacity of 650,000 cubic meters that serves irrigation in five hamlets.

Hoc Khe Reservoir in Quang Ngai province, which was built in 1987, was only used for several years. It has been left idle for many years, because it would break at any time if it contained water.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Hung from the provincial authorities, a budget of VND15 billion will be allocated in 2018 for the upgrading and renovation of the reservoir. 

Once the reservoir can store water again, it will serve rice production on an area of 40 hectares.

MARD said 1,150 reservoirs out of 6.648 damaged reservoirs need repair in 2016-2022.

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