The programme, funded by the World Bank (WB) with a total investment of 248.9 million USD, has demonstrated a number of positive environmental results, such as upgraded canals and lakes, a cleaner coastline and tidier streets, fewer floods, and reduced water pollution.

According to Le Duy Hung, the WB representative in Vietnam, since the programme was launched in December 2006, implementation progressed at a steady rate.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung stressed the need to continue the programme in a sustainable manner.

Administrative officials from participating cities in the central region, including Nha Trang, Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh province) and Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province), proposed extra funding of 119 million USD from the WB to improve sewage systems, wastewater processing facilities and landfills.

The environmental sanitation measures implemented by the programme include controlling floods; collecting wastewater; managing solid waste; constructing wastewater treatment plants; building water and sanitation facilities at schools; and providing technical assistance during project implementation as well as capacity building for service providers and other stakeholders.