Dutch-funded development project helps the poor

The 2nd phase of a community development project, funded by the Netherlands Red Cross, recently kicked off in seven poorest communes, which have been usually ravaged by natural calamities, in five provinces, the Vietnam Red Cross said on September 6.

The project, carried out from August 2007-August 2009 at the cost of over EUR 210,000, will ensure safe water supply, guide local people to keep environmental hygiene to prevent epidemics and common diseases, improve the locals' living conditions through economic development and increase the poor's income; and help the community take measures and solutions for the sustainable development.

The project will bring benefits to about 22,000 people, especially the handicapped and poor women, in the communes of Can Ty (northern Ha Giang province), Luong Can (northern Cao Bang province), Khang Ninh (northern Bac Can province), Phuoc Chien and Phuoc Khang (central Ninh Thuan province), Tan Xuan and Son My (central Binh Thuan province).

The first phase of the project, also implemented in these communes from May 2005 to October 2006 with the involvement of the local community and authorities, helped initially change the living conditions for the poorest.

Source: VNA