In recent decades, environmental pollution has become one of the world’s major problems caused by human activities. It is not only a common occurrence in developed countries, but also developing countries—and Vietnam is no exception. For years, Vietnam has been facing environmental issues, and many projects that threaten environmental protection have been identified.
According to Mr Huey Douglas Pham, vice president and country manager for CDM in Vietnam, it is possible and beneficial to execute development solutions that do not harm the environment.
Since being established in Vietnam since 1998, CDM—a global consulting, engineering, and construction firm—has been implementing a number of environmental protection projects in Vietnam, helping to raise awareness of environmental issues within Vietnamese society.
“Compared to 10 years ago, Vietnamese people are more aware of the impacts that their actions may have on their living environment. It is a very good sign. Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal is one noticeable improvement. It not only reflects our efforts to improve the canal bed and surrounding areas, but also to increase awareness about environmental protection,” said Huey Douglas Pham.
In the past several years, CDM has implemented nearly 20 projects in Vietnam, for both the government and for private industries. The Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal environmental sanitation project in HCM City is one of CDM’s most important projects in Vietnam. Funded by the World Bank, this project is intended to address flooding and water pollution in seven districts and 60 wards located alongside the canal. Also, CDM was the consultant for the Thu Duc water supply plant, which has a designed capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of clean water per day through a system of 26 kilometres of pipeline merging with the system of the Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco).
Mr Robert Lawson Hurdle, CDM senior vice president, said: “We are proud of transferring our technology as well as our experience, solutions, and services to Vietnam. In regards to environment issues, I think that Vietnam has a very good set of laws. However, the country needs stronger enforcement for all industries. In terms of contractors, I have seen great progress through many projects, compared to 10 years ago.”
In addition to environmental projects, CDM is also involved with Vietnam’s transportation sector. The firm is now supporting the transit growth in HCMC through a railway project from Ben Thanh market in the centre area, crossing Saigon River on an elevated track, and ending at Suoi Tien Park.
In alignment with Vietnam’s global integration as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), CDM’s expertise, innovative solutions, and services will continue to be an essential part of socio-economic development in the country—especially for environment and infrastructure improvement.
Le Phuong
Vietnamese
