Storm-proof buildings in demand

Storm and flood-proof buildings have been a blessing to residents in central coastal provinces, the director of the Central Viet Nam Calamities Relief Fund, Nguyen Dang Lam, told a seminar here yesterday.

“Flood-proof buildings, including public houses, kindergartens, primary schools and healthcare centres, have helped locals prevent or reduce losses,” he said.

Since its establishment in 2009, the relief fund has helped build 45 flood-proof public buildings, including 10 healthcare centres, 12 public houses and 23 kindergartens and primary schools.

Le Van Hien, chairman of Vinh Linh District People’s Committee in Central Quang Tri Province, said that last year his district received VND1.8 billion (US$88,000) from the fund to build a healthcare centre.

Since its opening, the building had been not only a medical station, but also a safe place for local residents to stay during floods and storms.

However, participants at the seminar said that public houses were often left locked during storms and flooding.

Flood-proof buildings have become essential in many flood-prone areas in the central coastal region, which are hit by up to eight storms a year.

“Central provinces have asked the fund to invest in another 500 similar buildings, but the fund did not have the financial capacity. However, it would give priority to the most threatened regions,” said Phan Dien, chairman of the fund management council.

The relief fund, which began operations in March 2009, aims to assist the 14 central coastal provinces, from Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan. — VNS

Tags: Vietnam Construction, Vietnam construction sector