Speaking at the signing ceremony, MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat emphasised that the programme gained initial positive results in the first two phases.
Rural people’s living conditions and health were significantly improved, he said.
However, Phat noted, there remain difficulties and challenges that need to be dealt with in the third phase of the programme, including improving the quality of water supply and sanitation and providing running water to people in disadvantaged areas.
The financial resources donated for the third phase will help Vietnam meet the set target, he said, adding that the country is committed to using the capital effectively.
Michael Wilson, Minister-Councillor of the Australian Agency for International Development (Ausaid) recognized the programme’s initial achievements.
He also pointed out that Vietnam did not achieve the target set in the first two phases and urged the country to make greater efforts to reach the target in the third phase of the programme.
The assistance expressed the determination to help Vietnam with its cause for rural development, he said.
The third phase of the programme, running from 2012-2015, aims to increase the coverage of clean water supply to 85 percent of the population and hygienic latrines to 65 percent of households in rural areas. It will also help 45 percent of households have hygienic livestock pens and provide clean water and hygienic latrines for schools and clinics.
(VOV)
