With the special concerns of the Vietnamese Government, relevant organs and donors, Dak Lak province has received and carried out several ODA projects concerning technical support, infrastructure construction and poverty reduction. At present, the province has 27 ODA-funded projects with a total value of VND2,000 billion. Thanks to capital and experience supports, socioeconomic infrastructure has been gradually upgraded while poverty reduction is successfully carried out.
ODA-funded education projects mainly come from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Currently, the bank financed three projects in Dak Lak province. Regarding high school education, the lender will fund the building of 114 classrooms and subject rooms in 14 schools. To date, the project completed building 94 rooms at a total investment of VND39 billion, in which ADB financed 76 per cent and Vietnam contribute 24 per cent. In 2009, the remaining 20 classrooms and subject rooms will be built in Le Hong Phong High School and Tran Quang Khai High School. This will require VND8.5 billion of investment capital. Concerning secondary education II, the bank will finance the construction of 104 classrooms, subject rooms and boarding rooms for 11 schools. To date, as many as 84 were completed at a total investment capital of VND25 billion, in which ADB contributed 89 per cent and Vietnam made up for 11 per cent. In 2009, classrooms and subject rooms will be built for Tan Hoa Secondary School in Buon Don district and Cu Klong Secondary School in Krong Nang district. As regards the secondary education, 400 classrooms will be built for 19 schools in seven most difficult districts at a combined investment capital of VND60 billion, in which ADB paid 80 per cent. In 2009, as many as 98 classrooms for six schools will be built at VND13 billion, in which ADB will lend 10 billion and Vietnam will contribute VND3 billion.
Remarking these projects, Mr Tran Ngoc Son, Director of Dak Lak Department of Education and Training, said: The education sector of the province is quickly carrying out these projects. Once completed, they will bring in practical benefits for the sector. He expected these projects would attract more investment capital for remote areas.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also granted non-refundable aids to the Central Highlands. JICA finances a project to provide underground water for people in poor districts in Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, which was kicked off in February 2008. This programme, at its last stage, is being carried out in five communes in three provinces. By the end of 2010, the clean water will reach targeted localities. In Dak Lak province, the project benefits Ea Drong commune (Krong Buk district) and Ea Drang town (Ea H’Leo district). The first phase was completed in February 2009. At present, Dak Lak province is connecting pipelines to targeted households.
According to the Dak Lak Fresh Water and Environmental Hygiene Centre, JICA granted VND170 billion for this project. Japan has transferred two pumping stations and a pipeline system stretching 90 km to Dak Lak. Upon completion, this project will benefit nearly 3,500 households in Ea Drang town, Ea H’Leo district and over 1,850 households in Ea Drong commune, Krong Buk district. Residents in the two districts will be completely financially supported for the water access.
For the time being, Dak Lak is still receiving ODA capital to upgrade its infrastructure, including a US$50 million project to develop rural infrastructure in Central Highland provinces and Binh Phuoc province, a US$1.25 million project to upgrade Buon Ma Thuot city’s infrastructure and many projects to upgrade water systems and healthcare systems.
Gia Minh- K. B
Vietnamese
