The People's Committee of Quang Nam province has just approved and approved the permission for Quang Nam Water Supply and Drainage Joint Stock Company to increase the price of new domestic water, applicable from the May 2025 collection period. The price of clean water for domestic use is divided into 4 levels, of which the highest level in areas such as Tam Ky, Hoi An, Dien Ban... is 15,624 VND/m3. For mountainous areas such as Nam Giang and Phuoc Son, the highest level is 12,512 VND/m.
Water prices for administrative units, production and service business also increased sharply, up to nearly VND19,000/m3 in urban areas.
This decision immediately received the reaction of the people of Quang Nam and attracted the attention of many public opinion. In particular, this clean water price range is nearly double that of "neighbor" - Da Nang.
This is a paradox. Because Da Nang has a scarce water supply for production and supply of clean water for daily use. Almost every year, every dry season, Da Nang is affected by salinity, clean water sources, people worry about water shortage. The government must also request Quang Nam to release irrigation and hydroelectric reservoirs to provide water. On the contrary, Quang Nam is favored by nature for the entire Vu Gia and Thu Bon river systems with the largest basin in the Central region, the downstream of the entire Truong Son Dong range, and an abundant water resource.
The reason why domestic water prices in Quang Nam are twice as high as Da Nang is said to be that Quang Nam Water Supply Company (QNaWACO) is doing business at a loss and has accumulated debts.
QNaWACO is currently a 100% private enterprise. Previously, the State still held 51% of the capital. In 2016, the Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee approved the divestment. Since 2017, this company has been officially " private" and then the enterprise has continuously complained about losses. In 2021, it lost more than 21 billion VND, in 2022, it lost more than 22 billion VND, then in September 2023, it continued to lose more than 17 billion VND, in 2024, it lost more than 8 billion VND...
The loss is to ask for an increase in price to compensate and the province approves, and then the people have to bear the burden because there is no second choice.
New water prices in Quang Nam, from the lowest level of VND 8,954/m3 to the highest level of VND 15,624/m3, while Da Nang is only from VND 5,119 to VND 7,644/m3. A big difference, especially in the context of increasing all living expenses. The burden is on the shoulders of people, especially middle- and low-income households.
The People's Committee of Quang Nam province has proposed to consider restoring the divested state capital stake in QNaWACO. This is a solution that needs to be carefully considered to "ensure water security". "Buying back" shares so that the State can take control and coordinate at QNaWACO is not easy but cannot be "released" for many years, people have to suffer the consequences of business losses of the exclusive water supply enterprise - QNaWACO.
Water security is not only about having enough water to use, but also about people being able to access that water source at a reasonable and affordable price. It is impossible to leave "water without shortage" but people have to pay for water too much.
