Rural clean water development must go hand in hand with digital transformation

On October 16 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Water Works Management and Construction, in collaboration with the Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, organized a forum titled “The role of Clean Water and Rural Sanitation in Sustainable Agricultural Development and Building Modern Rural Communities.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Vu Minh Viet, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, emphasized: “Viet Nam is undergoing a strong transformation toward developing a green, clean, and circular agricultural economy that adapts to climate change. In this context, ensuring the supply of clean water and improving sanitation conditions in rural areas has become more urgent than ever. Most agricultural activities, especially crop cultivation and livestock farming, are closely tied to water resources and the surrounding environment.

A clean rural environment, free from water pollution and waste hotspots, creates favorable conditions for building modern, civilized rural communities that are green, clean, and beautiful.”

Regarding clean water, in recent years, rural water supply has played a crucial role in the National Target Program on New Rural Development, contributing significantly to helping thousands of communes meet clean water standards. During the 2021-2025 period, 6,084 out of 7,669 communes nationwide (79.3%) have been recognized as meeting new rural development standards, with 2,567 advanced communes and 743 model communes.

To date, 68% of rural households across the country have access to water that meets quality standards, including 60% from centralized water supply systems and 8% from household-level water sources.

According to Mr. Luong Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Water Works Management and Construction, the rural clean water sector has received considerable attention and investment from both the government and society in recent years. However, only about 58% of the rural population currently has access to water meeting national standards, with just 8% using water from centralized supply systems, while 52% still rely on small-scale or household-based water sources. “Most rural residents have yet to access centralized water supply systems. To ensure water quality that is both consistent and sustainable, we need stronger solutions, greater attention, and more robust investment,” he emphasized.

“To realize the objectives set out in the National Strategy for Rural Clean Water Supply and Sanitation by 2030, with a vision to 2045, coordinated participation from ministries, sectors, localities, businesses, and communities is essential. The key priority is to attract greater private investment in rural water supply. Today’s forum offers an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and propose practical solutions, enabling management agencies to develop better-informed policies, remove obstacles, and ensure more effective implementation in practice,” he added.

At the same time, the development of rural clean water must be closely linked with digital transformation - not only as an inevitable requirement of the modern era but also as a key solution toward building sustainable and civilized rural communities.

By applying digital technologies in the management, monitoring, and operation of water supply systems, the Department of Water Works Management and Construction aims to further improve investment efficiency, ensure equitable access to clean water, and protect water resources. This serves as the foundation for enhancing the quality of life in rural areas and contributes to realizing the goal of “smart and livable rural communities” in the coming period.

At the forum, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Vu Minh Viet outlined five key topics that need to be discussed and clarified.

First, to identify solutions for strengthening rural water supply infrastructure toward modernization, synchronization, and digital transformation in management and operation.

Second, to develop mechanisms and policies that encourage socialization and mobilize enterprises and the private sector to participate in providing rural clean water services.

Third, to propose measures to raise public awareness and change behaviors regarding environmental sanitation, water resource protection, and efficient water use.

Fourth, to integrate rural clean water programs with the development of high-tech, circular, and low-emission agriculture.

Finally, to clarify the role of clean water and rural environmental sanitation in promoting sustainable agricultural development and building a civilized rural Vietnam.