ME. Nguyen Xuan Thinh
Abstraction: The Law on Irrigation which was promulgated and took effects since 01 July 2018 has reflected a new approach to the management and exploitation of irrigation work through shifting from non-profit services to paid services and irrigation service user-centered approach. The Law on Irrigation has been followed by many new legislations relating to management and operation of small scale and on-farm irrigation works which regulate new provisions on water user organization models, membership, operation charters and regulations, capacity requirements for organizations and individuals involving in the management and operation of irrigation works. As a result, existing water user organization (WUOs) should be reinforced accordingly to be in line with the Law on Irrigation. The deadline for a completed reinforcement process is 3 years since the effective date of the Law on Irrigation.
While capacity of existing WUOs is not adequate, the enforcement of Law on Irrigation is such a big challenge to localities. A successful WUO reinforcement process depends significantly on various factors whereas the targets for interventions are large and vastly located. Without proper solutions, the deadline cannot be met. Building on best practices of WUO establishment/reinforcement in the Component “Strengthening Management and Operation Capacity of irrigation system in Ninh Thuan province”, the article will propose some key solutions to the establishment/reinforcement of existing WUOs to meet requirements of the Law on Irrigation.