A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2001

Water supply and sanitation are important in daily living of the people. A lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities remains a major problem for rural people. In fact, the problem is responsible for almost half of the disease and death that afflicts Vietnamese children. In Viet Nam, the coverage of fresh water is 42% and the coverage of safe latrine is 20% in rural areas in 2000. Therefore the government is canying the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Strategy to improve the living condition of the rural area and improve their health. Piped Water Supply Scheme is the priority technology to promote in rural area. Information, Education and Communication also are paid attention from the government The research was conducted in Nhat Tan commune. 90 households have been interviewed by questionnaire in order to evaluate the benefits and explore the shortcoming of the water supply and sanitation program for the rural people. Nhat Tan commune has operated three water supply schemes from 1997. The benefit from water supply and sanitation program was realized in commune by the low rate of diarrhea, skin diseases and trachoma compared with before project. Time saving on fetching water and the convenience of tap water has contributed to make better living condition for the villagers especially for the women in Nhat Tan commune. Operation and maintenance of water supply facilities play very important role for sustainability of water supply facilities. The shortcomings and advantages of O&M in Nhat Tan commune were found out in this study. Lack of the co-ordination and monitoring of the district and provincial level on water quality and technical consultant were problem that should be improved. Good management of the Commune's People Committee, high willingness to work, honesty and responsibility of the water committee members contributed to keep the water supply schemes working well. The recommendations have been presented to improve the rural water supply and sanitation program in order to give highest benefit for the rural people.