Quang Tri asks for Vietnam-Italy Debt Conversion Program funds for clean water projects

Quang Tri Province has two projects of clean water planned to utilize the funds from the Vietnam-Italy Debt Conversion Program, with a designed investment of VND82.3 billion (US$3.4 million).

Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee of Ha Sy Dong chaired a meeting. Photo: T.N

Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee of Ha Sy Dong on November 15 chaired a meeting with a delegation working to evaluate projects proposed to use funds from the Vietnam-Italy Debt Conversion Program.

The projects include the Clean Water Supply and Water Resource Management project in three mountainous communes: Cam Chinh, Cam Nghia, and Cam Tuyen (Cam Lo district), with a total investment of over VND37.3 billion ($1.5 million). The project will receive ODA capital of nearly VND30 billion ($1.2 million), with a counterpart fund of VND7.5 billion ($310,081). The Waste Collection and Treatment Capacity Enhancement project for environmental protection and climate change adaptation in the northern region of Quang Tri Province has a total investment of VND45 billion ($1.8 million). It will receive non-refundable ODA capital of over VND38 billion ($1.5 million), with a counterpart fund of VND6.75 billion ($278,929).

During the meeting, Deputy Chairman Ha Sy Dong provided information about two projects assessed and evaluated by Italy, meeting the conditions for utilizing funds from the Vietnam-Italy Debt Conversion Program.

“The province is committed to directing relevant agencies and units to incorporate and realize project proposals recommended by the delegation,” he said.

He added that once the project list is officially selected, the People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province will promptly guide relevant agencies and units to carry out the appraisal procedures, approve investment policies, and implement the projects by 2024.

After the survey and evaluation, Deputy Chairman Dong suggested that Italy promptly submit the official project list to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance so that localities can proceed with the following steps.

He also requested support and guidance from the two ministries regarding the implementation of projects under the Debt Conversion Program, including procedures for loan agreements, disbursement, and fund withdrawal.

During the discussion with the province’s authority, the members of the evaluation delegation agreed on the necessity of investment in the proposed projects and information exchange with relevant ministries and sectors regarding the locality’s recommendations to expedite the implementation progress of the projects.

Tien Nhat – Khanh Khanh