A Hà Nội resident fills a bottle a free water tap installed in Hoàn Kiếm District. - VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — In an effort to become a modern and smart city, Hà Nội installed free drinking water taps on some streets, receiving an enthusiastic response from tourists and local residents.
The taps were installed in Đồng Xuân and Hàng Da markets, and Sơn Tây garden in Hoàn Kiếm District in January by Water Manufacturing JSC No. 3.
According to Nguyễn Đình Tiến, Director of Water Manufacturing JSC No. 3, with cutting-edge equipment, the three taps meet the standards of bottled water and requirements set by the Health Ministry.
The taps serve the public, especially those in difficult circumstances who have no clean water for daily use, while contributing to promoting the image of Hà Nội as a peaceful, civilised and modern city to foreign visitors, he said.
Lương Phú Thiệp, a taxi driver at Đồng Xuân market, said the drinking taps are very useful and convenient for him as he spends a lot of time driving.
“The taps help me save about VNĐ30,000-40,000 (US$1.29-1.72) a day on drinking water,” he said.
Nguyễn Thanh Cúc, a porter at Đồng Xuân market, said she used to bring water from home to drink.
“Since the taps were installed, I only need to bring an empty bottle to take water from the taps. It is very convenient and hygienic,” she said.
A tourist from the UK said free public water will help reduce the discharge of plastic bottles to the environment.
Tiến said Water Manufacturing JSC No. 3 will install another drinking tap in the Octagon House near Lý Thái Tổ Statue in Hoàn Kiếm District, expressing his hope that Hà Nội will allow the company to set up some taps around Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake to serve holidaymakers visiting the capital city. — VNS