HÀ NỘI —  Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc underlined the need to focus resources on tackling climate change in the Mekong Delta region.

His words come in the wake of landslides along river banks, canals and seashores, threatening life and property of local residents. 

At a working session with representatives of 13 Mekong Delta localities in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Phúc listed An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Cà Mau and Bạc Liêu as the most affected areas by landslides. 

He said following the issuance of Government Resolution No. 120 on sustainable development in the Mekong Delta in response to climate change, mid- and long-term capital has been allocated to deal with 17 out of 42 dangerous spots. 

Apart from reinforcing dykes, localities in the region should address issues of public concern, such as unplanned and over-exploitation of sand and gravel, while planting more trees, Phúc said. 

He also urged the localities to adjust the planning of residential areas and production, along with stepping up cooperation with regional countries in regulating water flow, especially during the dry season. 

Phúc decided to allocate a part of the State budget to Mekong Delta localities, helping them build urgent and important facilities, and a part of the country’s ODA (official development assistance) fund to set up a climate change fund in the region. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) was assigned to make proposals to support localities, which will be sent to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). 

MPI will submit the proposal to Phúc before May 15. 

MARD reported that landslides occurred at 562 locations along river banks and seashores spread across 786km, of which 42 spots stretching across 149km were especially dangerous. The ministry said it needed some VNĐ6.99 trillion (US$307.56 million) to reinforce such eroded locations. — VNS