A dried up farmland plot in Gò Công township, Mekong Delta Province of Tiền Giang during the historic salt intrusion and drought early 2020. — VNA/VNS Photo Vũ Sinh

HÀ NỘI — Localities severely impacted by serious drought, water shortages, saltwater intrusion and financial difficulties will receive funding from the Central budget to deal with these issues.

Under a decision signed recently by Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng, beneficiaries will include organisations managing and using irrigation facilities and rural water facilities.

People’s Committees in districts and communes facing water shortages have been directed to adopt urgent solutions to combat the shortages.

With the financial support, localities in the central, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta regions must extend water pipes, purchase water containers and filters, and supply water to local residents, hospitals, and schools in disadvantaged areas.

Notably, the central and Mekong Delta regions will receive funding for the building of anti-intrusion dams and water reservoirs.

Funding for mountainous and Central Highlands localities will not exceed 70 per cent of their actual spending.

Funding for other localities will not surpass 50 per cent of their spending on the efforts. — VNS