The resolution clearly identifies achievements, limitations, causes, and the responsibilities of relevant agencies and units. Based on these findings, the provincial People’s Committee is now developing plans, allocating investment capital, upgrading infrastructure, and organizing effective management models for centralized domestic water supply systems.

Previously, in April, the provincial People’s Council carried out thematic supervision in 5 out of the 10 districts, towns, and cities. By conducting on-site inspections, the supervisory team assessed the actual situation, identified existing problems, and proposed solutions reported at the session. In recent years, many centralized rural water supply facilities have been newly constructed, upgraded, or maintained. Local management teams have been formed in villages to oversee operations and safeguard these systems, improving access to stable and hygienic water for rural households. As a result, the percentage of rural households with stable, regular access to sanitary domestic water rose from 84.42% in 2021 to 92.86% in 2024, surpassing the 2025 target by 7.86%. The percentage of households using water that meets safety standards reached 14.62%, exceeding the planned target by 4.62%.

Despite these improvements, significant issues remain. Currently, 199 water supply systems across the province have deteriorated or exceeded their service lifespan and have yet to undergo the required decommissioning procedures. An additional 237 facilities are operating inefficiently and have not received the necessary maintenance or upgrade funding. Many systems are underutilized, generate low service revenues, and struggle to expand user coverage. The proportion of rural households with access to water meeting national standards remains low. Some village-level water management teams are ineffective, negligent, or even dissolved.

The centralized domestic water facility in Hua Sin village, Mường Nhé commune is an example of inefficiency. Commissioned in 2024 with a total investment of VND 2.9 billion, the system includes two intake dams, a filtration tank, seven water storage tanks, and a 4.5-kilometer pipeline network. Designed to serve 99 households (608 residents) with 100 liters of water per person per day, the system frequently fails to meet demand, even for households near the central tank.

The core issue lies in the flawed design of the water distribution valves. Specifically, the water outlets are installed higher than the distribution points, causing water from the main tank to quickly flow into secondary tanks without adequately supplying nearby households. Additionally, some residents misuse water resources.

Vàng A Sinh, Party Secretary of Hua Sin village, noted: “Some households leave the valves open even when the tanks are full, causing water to overflow. As a result, water drains out of the central tank too quickly, leaving no reserve for those living nearby.”

Multiple factors contribute to these shortcomings, including unpredictable weather, which affects water availability, especially shortages in the dry season and damage during floods. Complex terrain complicates construction, maintenance, and protection of the facilities. Moreover, the absence of a clear legal framework outlining the responsibilities of stakeholders in water management further exacerbates the problem. Limited funding for repairs, especially at the commune level, coupled with outdated equipment and poorly chosen construction sites, leads to insufficient water pressure and inadequate service.

The recently passed resolution requires the provincial People’s Committee to seriously and promptly address post-supervision recommendations. Key measures include: Directing managing agencies and investors to coordinate with water providers, particularly urban water companies, to ensure uninterrupted service when infrastructure projects intersect with water systems; instructing the Departments of Construction, Finance, and Agriculture and Environment to review non-operational systems and complete the required asset decommissioning procedures; assigning the Department of Agriculture and Environment to issue land use certificates for existing water systems lacking documentation and to enhance state management of clean water services; and encouraging providers to adopt scientific and technological advances in water extraction and treatment, expand service areas, improve water quality, and strengthen infrastructure protection to minimize water loss.