Enda Vietnam M. Henri de REBOUL Regional coordination. J2 Cu Xa Bac Hai, P15 - Q10 HCMV Vietnam Tel : (848-8) 64.50.96 Fax : (848-8) 64.50.96 e-mail : endavn@bdvn.vnmail.vnd.net

Community Environmental project in Ho Chi Minh City
(Enda Viet Nam)

The main goal of this project is to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of Binh Hung Hoa, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the city. The principal activities will be: the construction of waste water-treatment basins and latrines, improvement of the accessibility to water, the implementation of credit schemes, training programmes on hygiene and sanitation issues, community development, and participatory management of the urban environment. Relations with the local authorities were strengthened as a result of a partnership with the Women's Union.

History and achievements

During the first phase, Enda Viet Nam chose the site for the project in Binh Hung Hoa, location of the city's main dump. The first phase also created a good working relationship of trust with the main partner of the project, the Women's Union, which was appointed supervisor of the programme. The Union proposed a community development project to be implemented for the waste collectors of ‚p 7, in the commune of Binh Hung Hoa, district of Binh Chanh, one of the poorest neighbourhoods of HÙ Chi Minh City.

The main activities undertaken by the project during the first phase were the following:
- Support to enterprises and workshops for training in the field of recycling;
- Education and awareness-raising to environmental questions;
- Strengthening of ties with authorities and officials;
- Micro-credits following the grameen bank method for micro-entrepreneurs;
- Specific objectives for the second phase;
- Reduction of water pollution and solid wastes, while generating employment;
- Training of authorities and services in participatory management of the environment and sensitisation to health issues;
- Stimulate community dynamics;
- Help women improve the management of their family budget;
- Population empowerment.

Resources

Human resources:
- 3 social workers and 2 hydraulic and environmental engineers;
- Volunteers from the community.

Other resources:
- Solidary credits and loans for infrastructure (habitat, latrines, water, and equipment...);
- Educational and communication equipment (especially audio-visual);
- Resources for training, awareness-raising and exchange of experiences;
- Socio-economic studies.

Main activities

- Development of sanitation mechanisms using water lentils (preparatory study, construction of the basins, adjustments and improvements, presentation to partners and duplication...);
- Environmental training programmes for the community;
- Grassroots communication activities for environmental education (in the community and in the schools);
- Loans and support for the environment and basic infrastructures (latrines, wells, habitat, drainage...);
- Credits and support for the equipment of artisan recyclers;
- Exchange of experiences (visit to Bangladesh...).

Expected results

- Proper functioning of water treatment basins with water lentils;
- Construction of latrines in the neighbourhood;
- Improvement in water access (wells, equipment...);
- Organisation of 2 recycling workshops;
- Groups of solidary credits aimed at the improvement of the environment;
- Raining programmes on the environment and community development issues;
- Strengthening environmental education activities (several TV clubs and regular animation linked to the environment...);
- A health care clinic with awareness-raising actions linked to the environment (water, hygiene, health...);
- Local dynamics (creation of a local development committee...).