“Lack of water is terrible!”

People in Hamlet 6 (Khanh Lam commune, U Minh district, Ca Mau province) have faced water shortages every dry season since the severe drought of 2016. Many households cannot drill for underground water, or if they do the water is contaminated with alum and unusable. Households that had been able to build tanks or dig ponds to store fresh water and install pumps to treat alum water are still struggling to cope with the drought this year.

Huynh Thi Nhe (Hamlet 6, Khanh Lam commune, U Minh district, Ca Mau province) said: “There hasn’t been enough water for drinking since December, let alone for bathing, washing, or cleaning. We can cope with not having enough rice, but the lack of water is terrible. Without drinking water, many people have had to drink water from drilled wells, which is contaminated with salt and alum. It tastes salty and sour and is very difficult to drink. However, many people still have to drink it because they can’t afford fresh drinking water.”

Working with local authorities to support people coping with the drought, officers and soldiers of the Navy’s 5th Regional Command have been working around the clock to deliver fresh water to communities. Since April 17, 5th Regional Command ships have transported hundreds of cubic meters of fresh water to hamlets deep inland.

Every day, the officers and soldiers of the 5th Regional Command work tirelessly to deliver water to people in need. Some open the tank valves, while others carry water cans to people’s homes. They work without rest, and although sweat pours down their faces and backs, they are filled with joy.

In addition to providing water to the community, the 5th Regional Command also donated 30 gifts, each worth VND 500,000, to families eligible for preferential treatment.

On this occasion, the unit also worked with Saigon New Port Corporation and the Ca Mau Party Committee’s Mass Mobilization Commission to donate 150 water tanks (500 liters each); 200 bottles of pure filtered water (20 liters each); and 50 gifts for poor and disadvantaged households in Tran Van Thoi, U Minh, and Thoi Binh districts, at a total cost of nearly VND 400 million.

Solving the drought of the thirsty land

Tran Thi Cuc in Khanh Binh Dong commune (Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau province) said: “I have a few water jars in my house, but they have broken over time. We don’t have the money to buy new ones. The Navy brought us fresh water and even donated a tank.”

Thai Bich Dan in Khanh Lam commune (U Minh district, Ca Mau province) said: “Fortunately, the Navy soldiers and benefactors brought us fresh water, so people have been suffering less. We tell each other to use water wisely, only for essential needs like drinking and cooking.”

According to Nguyen Minh Thong, Chairman of Khanh Lam Commune People’s Committee (U Minh district, Ca Mau province), Khanh Lam has invested in a water supply station to serve the people. However, due to the prolonged drought, the station is not able to supply enough water for the entire commune. People face many difficulties in their daily lives and work. They have to travel long distances to get water for everyday use, and in difficult times, they may not be able to find any water at all because the wells have dried up. People in difficult circumstances cannot afford to buy fresh water. Thanks to the attention of the state, the support of officers and soldiers of the 5th Regional Command, and other forces and benefactors, water has been delivered to people’s homes. The people have been deeply touched.

“This year’s prolonged drought and heat have worsened water shortages. Therefore, the practical gifts from the 5th Regional Command and Saigon Newport Corporation have helped people to have clean water and water storage facilities, meeting their basic needs and protecting their health. This valuable gesture demonstrates the strong bond between the army and the people and the beautiful tradition of Uncle Ho’s soldiers,” said Trinh Thanh Hien, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Khanh Binh Dong commune (Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau province).

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