Improving the living conditions of a low-income community : focus on sanitary management in Hoan Kiem District-Hanoi, Vietnam | |
| Author | Dao Thi Thu Ha |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.UE-04-04 |
| Subject(s) | Community life--Vietnam--Hanoi Sanitation--Vietnam--Hanoi Poor--Vietnam--Hanoi Quality of life--Vietnam--Hanoi |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam with a rich cultural heritage reflecting nearly 1000 years of history. With a large population, the living condition in central Hanoi particularly is seriously deteriorating. Sanitation management is one of the key issues for improving the living condition of Hanoi's center, the '36 Old Street Quarter', location in HoanKiem district, which is one of the most populated districts of the city. Rapid urbanization process through the increase of commercial and tourism industries have made sanitation environment as big problem in this central part of the city. The purpose of this study has been to contribute to improve the living condition for enhancing quality of life of the study area. With this in view, the primary data was collected through questionnaire survey of sampled residents, field observation and interview with the officials of local government. The necessary secondary data were also collected. SPSS software was used as the main tool for analyzing the data. To achieve the research objectives, the field work was conducted in 10 phuongs of Hoan Kiem district with a total questionnaire survey of 70 households. Main findings of the research reveal two aspects of sanitary condition. Firstly, on the indoor hygiene side, it is found that households are currently using double-latrine and pit latrine, both of which are inappropriate for this high population density of Ancient Quarter. Leaked water is increasing sanitary woes in their houses, especially, in surrounding areas seriously the water taps and low-land areas attract mosquitoes and other dangerous insects that affects human health of the community. On the outdoor hygiene side, it is found that the existing drainage system is not separated from the sewage line causing of mud and sludge. The findings on policy show that investment capability of local household for improvement the sanitation is there but the State, HPC and Hoan Kiem district authorities have no policy to make investment for improving sanitation quality. Policy recommendations made to improve the conditions focus on the following aspects. First, for improving indoor sanitation, DTPW s and HASM should support the local people in planning and constructing a proper water supply system. About latrine use, double latrine should be replaced by septic tank toilet. Household should be encouraged to move in this direction. Secondly, for improving outdoor sanitation, public toilet facility should be provided in each of the phuongs in the Ancient Quarter. These facilities should be integrated into the built form, accessible at street level and open from at least 6.am to 11.pm seven days a week or if possible 24 hours a day with proper supervision and regular cleaning each day and night. However, road drainage should be upgraded as part of improvements to physical infrastructure of the Ancient Quarter. Other recommendations drawn from the research include involving environmental NGOs, academic groups and government officials to raise the awareness of the city residents for giving care and attention to improve the environmental condition in the city in general and in respective neighborhood in particular. |
| Year | 2004 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Environmental and Management (UE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Amin, A. T. M. Nurul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Perera, L. A. S Ranjith ;Truong Quang |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Swiss Agency of Development and Cooperation (SDC) ;Asian Institute Technology (AIT) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |