Hanoians among those least satisfied with their local environment

According to the 2022 Environmental Protection Performance Indicators (PEPI) report released this week by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi ranks 59th out of 63 cities and provinces in the category of people’s satisfaction with the quality of their living environment.

Vietnam’s capital scored 20.5 in this category, which is below the national average of 24.2, placing the city above only four provinces: Bac Kan, Ha Giang, Vinh Phuc and Binh Phuoc.

On the other hand, Phu Tho Province, which neighbors Hanoi, ranks first in people’s satisfaction with a score of 28.7 points, followed by the southern port province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau with 28.3 points and the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City at 27.5 points.

The environment ministry said the results were compiled from surveys conducted directly in each locality by the Fatherland Front, a leading socio-political organization.

On average, the respondents included 35% farmers, 25% workers, 20% businesses, 20% civil servants, 20% pensioners, and 5% students.

Eight criteria were used to assess people’s satisfaction with the environment: the quality of surface water in ponds and river, water quality for domestic use, air quality, noise levels and vibrations (due to construction work), collection and treatment of domestic waste, collection and treatment of wastewater, green spaces and public entertainment areas, and the local government’s concern for environmental protection.

The PEPI index is structured into two groups: evaluation of the results of the implementation of goals and tasks on environmental protection and evaluation of people’s satisfaction with the quality of the living environment.

Overall, Da Nang City takes the lead of the 2021 PEPI with an index of 79.82, followed by the southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tra Vinh.

HCMC arrives at 14th out of 63 cities and provinces, while Hanoi 55th.