Shield" from the grassroots
Although it is a lifeline for alluvial siltation, the Tien River, Hau River and Co Chien River are gradually becoming "roads" leading saltwater intrusion deep into Vinh Long fields. The saltwater intrusion has been from the second half of December 2025, with a salinity of 4‰, capable of encroaching deep into the fields from 50-60km and peaking in March 2026.
In Cho Lach commune, a key saltwater response area on the Ham Luong and Co Chien rivers, Mr. Tran Huu Nghi - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee - said that the locality is preparing for early and unpredictable saltwater intrusion.
Currently, the commune has 2 water plants that ensure good service to domestic needs. In terms of production, 100% of the closed dyke system is operated to protect specialized fruit trees and ornamental plants. The commune has also assigned members of the Civil Defense Command Board to be strictly in charge of each area, guiding people to dredge garden ditches, prepare nylon bags, and tarpaulin ponds to store fresh water" - Mr. Nghi shared.
Located in the middle of rivers and waters, Quoi Thien is like a green oasis struggling against the challenges of natural disasters.
Mr. Nguyen Van Mom Em - Chairman of Quoi Thien Commune People's Committee - said that with an area of 46.95km2, the commune identifies irrigation as the key to survival.
Currently, the commune has completed 5 culverts and is urgently building 4 more culverts to close down the infrastructure. Maintain daily salinity measurement in hamlets and immediately notify through electronic information pages and radio systems so that people can proactively close and open culverts".
Mr. Mom Em also spoke about the change in people's awareness: "For durian trees - a "rich" tree but extremely sensitive to salt, people are no longer passive. Many households have proactively dug ponds, covered them with tarpaulins to store fresh water, ensuring irrigation water sources.
The proactiveness of the leaders and people of Cho Lach commune, Quoi Thien shows a new mindset: Do not wait until salty to run, but must be ready from when the water is still sweet.
Maintaining water resources, ensuring people's lives
Mr. Luu Nhuan - Director of Vinh Long Rural Clean Water Center - said that the province has made long strides in infrastructure.
Currently, in the whole province, there is a tap water system covering over 85.4% of households. Ensuring that even when the saltwater intrusion is severe, people still have clean water to use. We have planned to operate water plants according to tides, dredge raw water tanks to increase reserve capacity, ensuring that no households are short of domestic water due to the impact of saltwater intrusion.
From the perspective of agricultural sector management, according to Mr. Le Quang Rang - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province focuses on repairing key irrigation works and dredging inland canals and ditches.
Mr. Rang emphasized: "The Department recommends that people convert crop structures, use short-term varieties or better salt-tolerant varieties in high-risk areas. At the same time, the application of water-saving irrigation measures such as spraying mist and dropping water is being replicated to optimize precious fresh water sources. Resolutely prevent people from spontaneously sowing in areas where water sources are not guaranteed.
Closing the plans with a strategic view, Mr. Chau Van Hoa - Vice Chairman of Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee - affirmed the high determination of the whole province.
Closely following the orientation in the Plan for drought and saltwater intrusion prevention and control, Mr. Hoa emphasized: "The province requests sectors and localities to drastically implement the "4 on-the-spot" motto, proactively improve forecasting capacity and implement saltwater prevention and sweet storage plans right from the beginning of the dry season. It is necessary to focus on mobilizing all resources to protect the area of high-value fruit trees and absolutely not let people lack domestic water. This is a key task to stabilize production and people's lives, minimizing damage caused by climate change.
