New Zealand experts support dam safety assessments in Dak Lak

Last week, experts from New Zealand-based Damwatch and the Water Resources University visited Dak Lak to assess several major dams in the area as part of Viet Nam-New Zealand cooperation on dam safety.

The assessments aim to support dam management, improve the safety of the structures and help downstream communities better prepare for the upcoming rainy and stormy season.

According to the New Zealand Embassy in Viet Nam, the activities are part of the Viet Nam–New Zealand Dam Safety Project, launched in 2012 and one of the two countries' key development cooperation projects.

The project is now in its third phase, which runs from 2022 to 2027. This phase focuses on developing new tools and approaches to help Viet Nam strengthen the resilience of dams and reservoirs to the growing impacts of climate change.

Climate change is increasing risks to dams and reservoirs, including extreme weather events and heavy rainfall. Assessing the condition of these structures, identifying potential risks and strengthening dam safety management are important to protecting people and livelihoods downstream.

Through cooperation with New Zealand experts, Vietnamese counterparts have greater access to tools and approaches for assessing and managing dam safety. The partnership also helps strengthen their capacity to respond to emerging risks linked to climate change.

The New Zealand Embassy said the project aims to keep dams and reservoirs safe, protect livelihoods, and support sustainable development in downstream communities.

The direct involvement of experts from both countries in surveying and assessing facilities in Dak Lak also helps strengthen coordination among experts, authorities and local governments in ensuring dam safety, particularly ahead of the rainy and stormy season.