JICA reaffirms support for Vietnam in tackling urban flood, wastewater challenges

At a press briefing in Hanoi on Wednesday, JICA’s Vietnam office outlined projects completed in the latter half of 2024 and the first half of 2025, emphasizing the agency’s ongoing support for Vietnam’s climate resilience efforts.

JICA chief representative in Vietnam Kobayashi Yosuke expressed pride in the official opening of the Yen Xa plant in September, describing it as a key component of Hanoi’s wastewater management system.

The plant is part of four packages in the Yen Xa wastewater treatment system project.

The remaining packages cover the construction of collection networks, interceptor sewers, and connections along the To Lich and Lu Rivers, as well as in the new Ha Dong urban area, spanning approximately 43 kilometers in total.

Of this length, 24 kilometers were completed using Japanese microtunneling technology.

“Severe flooding has recently affected many streets in Hanoi after heavy rains. We hope the drainage system and pipelines around the To Lich River linked to the Yen Xa plant will help mitigate flood damage,” Yosuke said.

He reaffirmed that JICA plans to continue supporting wastewater projects in other Vietnamese localities, including Ho Chi Minh City and Hue City, although the completion timeline for the 2025 fiscal year will depend on the progress of all parties involved.

“The demand for wastewater treatment in Vietnam is very high, not only in major cities but also in other regions. Based on Vietnam’s proposals, we will always be ready to assist,” he added.

JICA’s climate support also includes Vietnam’s first Sabo dam, constructed in Son La Province.

A Sabo dam is a cross-dike built in the upper reaches of rivers to prevent sediment-related disasters.

These dams are designed to reduce damage from flash floods, landslides, and river debris by allowing water to flow through while retaining sediment, rocks, and wood.

Drawing on lessons from the Son La project, the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment plans to construct 100 Sabo dams across the Southeast Asian country.