A 200 million USD credit to help improve safe water supply and sanitation in the Red River delta was signed by the World Bank (WB) in Vietnam and the State Bank of Vietnam in Hanoi on February 22.

Aiming to realise the National Target Programme on safe water supply and sanitation, the loan will enable the supply of safe water for 1.7 million people and improvement of sanitation for 650,000 others in rural areas.

In the framework of the strategic partnership with the WB, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) pledged an 8 million AUD technical assistance for the programme.

The WB’s Country Director for Vietnam Victoria Kwakwa said improved sanitation condition and access to safe water will bring important benefits to people.

The program will also further the local authorities’ state management and supervising competence in the field, added Kwakwa.

The credit will be channeled by the International Development Association (IDA) of the WB.

VNA