The Son La City Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Project (supplementary scale), also known as Phase 1b, was approved for investment adjustment by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1432 dated September 21, 2020, and by the Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee under Decision No. 965 dated May 22, 2021. The total adjusted and supplementary investment increased by 208,124.457 million VND, sourced from concessional ODA loans from the German government, non-refundable ODA funds from the Swiss government, and counterpart capital. The adjusted project implementation period is until December 31, 2025 (according to Resolution No. 229 dated October 4, 2023, of the Son La Provincial People's Council).

The project’s investment objective is to enhance the coverage of drainage services and increase connection rates, reduce flooding, and address wastewater-related issues by meeting discharge standards. This contributes to sustainable development and environmental protection in the area. The investment scale includes two main components: the renovation and repair of eight traffic routes along with stormwater drainage systems; and the expansion of the wastewater collection network to cover approximately 3,650 additional households.

In recent times, the operation of the Son La City Drainage and Wastewater Treatment System has been continuously and consistently ensured. The project management board organizes annual bidding to select contractors for yearly operation contracts. The treated wastewater quality meets Grade A standards according to QCVN 40/2011/BTNMT.  From 2021 to 2024, a total wastewater volume of 3,707,768 cubic meters has been treated. To date, the project is basically complete, with full completion and disbursement expected by June 2025, immediately after finalizing the adjustment of construction design drawings, cost estimates, contract amendments, and the allocation of adequate ODA loan funds from the government.

At the working session, the representative of the German Reconstruction Bank (KfW) highly appreciated the achievements of Son La Province in implementing the project. The representative also proposed, discussed, and provided feedback on several points to facilitate the project's timely completion and acceptance.

Mr. Le Hong Minh spoke at the working session

At the working session, Mr Le Hong Minh expressed gratitude to the delegation from the German Reconstruction Bank (KfW) for visiting and working in Son La Province. He emphasized that, up to now, the project has been basically completed, achieving its set goals and shortening the timeline. Looking ahead, Son La Province will continue to raise awareness among residents to voluntarily connect their household wastewater to the city’s wastewater system, thereby enhancing the project's effectiveness. He also requested KfW to continue paying attention to and supporting the Project Management Board in inspection and evaluation activities to ensure the project's completion complies with regulations.

Huong Diep

Translated by Huyen Vu