2,000 billion VND for mountain area development
Ha Noi, Feb. 13 (VNA) -- The Government has spent about VND 1,900 billion (USD 129 million) for socio-economic development in remote mountain communes during the past two years, reports the Committee for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas.
It says each commune received VND 700 million a year through various programmes, including Programme 135.
The committee's report - a two-year review of the programme - emphasises that about half of the 5,000 projects funded by it are working: 38 percent for the provision of transport facilities; 27 percent schools; 18 percent irrigation systems; and seven percent ensuring access to safe water.
In addition, 124 remote mountain communes in 11 provinces were provided with local funds to develop infrastructure facilities last year, but only 20 percent of these funds were disbursed in four of the provinces.
The Committee says it is now allowed by the Government to insert re-sedentary and other programmes into Programme 135. This means about 3,000 projects are expected to be implemented this year with 2,200 remote mountain communes benefiting from the investment with each receiving an average of VND 400 million a year.--VNA
