Vietnam’s Mekong Delta accelerates traffic infrastructure improvement

Since the start of 2024, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has conducted five on-site supervisions into key traffic infrastructure projects in the Mekong Delta region, as well as chaired several meetings and assigned his deputies to remove obstacles in a bid to speed up works on these projects.

The prime minister also urged relevant units to accelerate works on the north-south expressway project, especially the Can Tho – Hau Giang – Ca Mau section and the Chau Doc – Can Tho – Soc Trang expressway.

Traffic infrastructure is the backbone of connectivity and a driving force for the region’s development.

The government’s strong determination and local authorities’ concerted efforts are a significant contribution to the upgrade and expansion of traffic infrastructure.

After decades of lacking expressways, the Mekong Delta is undergoing a transformative phase with several major infrastructure projects underway.

These developments are expected to drive significant socio-economic growth in the region.

To accelerate progress on road and bridge projects, the government has implemented special measures, including sourcing river sand, exploring offshore sand resources, and granting local authorities the power to manage site clearance and expedite construction.

Several localities such as An Giang and Dong Thap Provinces have pioneered the provision of river sand for filling, while Soc Trang Province has focused on supplying sea sand.

With a few delays, the site clearance for key traffic projects in the delta has reached over 90 percent.

However, challenges have emerged in the final stages of completing the infrastructure system.

Ongoing efforts to streamline the political system have led to anticipated changes in management, leaving some officials hesitant to move forward with ongoing projects or make investment decisions.

To address these issues, state-run agencies and local authorities should strengthen project inspections to foster accountability and confidence in decision-making.

Empowering officials appointed to new positions with clearly defined goals could help ensure progress and continuity.

Another challenge is that complicated procedures for land clearance, bidding, and capital disbursement might slow down the progress of projects.

A shortage of workers during peak construction seasons should be addressed promptly to ensure the quality and progress of the projects.

The region’s localities must proactively align their development strategies with the general regional plan to tap into all benefits from key traffic infrastructure projects, as well as attract local and foreign investment.

It is necessary to have synchronous measures to make great breakthroughs after new roads and bridges are opened to traffic.

Apart from the source of public investment capital, localities should call for investments from the private sector to reduce reliance on the state budget.

The region should also prioritize inter-provincial and inter-regional traffic projects, especially those connecting with Ho Chi Minh City, to open a wider door for the delta’s socio-economic growth.

Furthermore, it is vital to promote the performance of the regional coordination council so that funding will not be used inefficiently.

By Tieu Bac & Dr. Tran Huu Hiep – Tuoi Tre News – December 19, 2024