The New Zealand Embassy has announced humanitarian aid, totalling US$50,000, to communities in Ben Tre Province affected by drought and saltwater intrusion.
The assistance will be provided through an ongoing US$4.0 million New Zealand government-funded project in the province, called "Building resilience to disaster and climate risks of men and women in Ben Tre Province," implemented by Oxfam in Viet Nam. The emergency relief responds to urgent needs of children, women, and men in 15 most affected communes in Binh Dai, Ba Tri, and Thanh Phu districts.
Up to 6,000 cow and goat farmers in these three districts will receive cash grants, to buy food and water supplies for their animals, which they are dependent on for their livelihoods.
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, Haike Manning, said: “We recognise the serious impact that the drought and saltwater intrusion is having on communities in southern and central provinces of Viet Nam.
"This assistance is a modest, but practical, contribution to the communities we are already working with through our existing project, and is an example of New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across Vietnam.
“New Zealand will continue sharing its experience and working closely with our partners, such as Oxfam, to assist local communities to deal with drought and saltwater intrusion and the effects of climate change in the Mekong Delta region.”
In addition, Oxfam is working with the local government in Ben Tre Province to provide safe drinking water to more than 6,000 women and men.
Oxfam Country Director Babeth Lefur said: “Oxfam commits to implement this emergency response at the highest responsibility and efficiency.”