The inauguration ceremony for the Tây Ninh wastewater treatment plant held on April 16. — Photo courtesy of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Hà Nội

HÀ NỘI — An Italian-funded wastewater treatment plant was inaugurated in the southern city of Tây Ninh on April 16 and expected to benefit more than 52,000 local residents.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Vice Chairman of the Tây Ninh Province People’s Committee Trần Văn Chiến, Head of the Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Hà Nội Annamaria Iotti, Chairman of Tây Ninh City People’s Committee, leaders of Tây Ninh Project Management Unit, representative of contractor and several other representatives from both sides.

This is part of two-component initiative "Tây Ninh Wastewater Collection and Treatment System Project," funded by the Italian Government through a €9.7 million-euro soft loan signed in 2016 and carried out by the city's authorities. The second component of the initiative, which includes the rehabilitation and construction of a drainage system and domestic wastewater collection system for Tây Ninh town, is slated to be finished by 2025.

Italian Ambassador to Việt Nam Marco della Seta lauded the completion of the wastewater treatment plant, which also stands for the strong partnership between Italy and Việt Nam.

"This is another significant step towards the environmental sustainability that Việt Nam is striving for. We are proud to be a supportive friend of Việt Nam in this journey."

Tây Ninh City previously did not have a separate collection system for wastewater and stormwater. The existing sewage system discharged into the canals without any previous treatment, originating problems such as water contamination, health and hygiene issues. The absence of an appropriate drainage system also caused flooding and overflowing of the city's canals.

"The implementation of the project contributes to the renovation and upgrading of the city's infrastructure, improving environmental sanitation conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting the socio-economic development of Tây Ninh Province in general and Tây Ninh City in particular," Tây Ninh Province's official Chiến said.

The wastewater treatment plant has been built on an area of 6.3ha, with a designed capacity of 5000m3/day-night, serving over 52,000 residents of Tây Ninh city.

"This result is made with and for the people of Việt Nam," leader of AICS Hà Nội Office Annamaria Iotti noted. "We work to improve the population's health status and protect the environment from the increasing anthropic pressure in urban areas. These objectives are a reflection of the mission and the values of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, which I'm honoured to represent today." — VNS

Delegates visiting the Tây Ninh wastewater treatment plant. — Photo courtesy of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Hà Nội