Building Dong Ha into a green city

As part of its development journey, Dong Ha City was recognized in 2018 as one of 37 cities worldwide to make the finals of the 2017-2018 WWF One Planet City Challenge. Furthermore, it was chosen by the Prime Minister as one of 23 cities to pilot green urban growth, setting an example for future urban development initiatives.

Part of Dong Ha Green City. Photo: N.T.H

On August 8, 2024, the prime minister issued Decision No. 813/QD-TTg recognizing Dong Ha as a second-tier city under Quang Tri Province. It sets the foundation for the city to become a strategic hub in central Vietnam, and the starting point of the East-West Economic Corridor connecting Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Indian Ocean.

With a new vision, Dong Ha is transforming into a green, eco-friendly, smart city with sustainable resource management for its residents. The 2045 Urban Master Plan aims to establish it as a key economic center in the North Central region, a provincial capital, and a hub for politics, culture, commerce, and industry, driving growth along the East-West Economic Corridor. The city is currently collaborating with provincial departments to align its plans with green and sustainable urban development goals.

To attract investment for green growth infrastructure, Dong Ha has developed a list of investment programs and projects, securing funding from ODA, national urban upgrading programs, and international projects such as the GMS Corridor Urban Development Project, the ADB-supported Livelihood Support for Urban Areas along the Mekong Subregion Corridor, and the Central Coastal Urban Development Project towards Green Growth and Climate Adaptation.

From 2013 to 2019, the city mobilized over VND16 trillion (US$641.5 million) in total social investment and the number rose to VND19.7 trillion ($790 million) in the 2021-2023 period. Annual budget revenue increased by 31.2% during 2021-2023.

With the resources mobilized, Dong Ha has directed the construction of about 20 new urban and residential areas, prioritizing large-scale urban projects to create architectural and landscape highlights. Social infrastructure has also been improved to better serve residents' needs.

Key social infrastructure projects that enhance urban space and landscape include the Provincial Cultural and Cinema Center, Dong Ha City Cultural Center, Fidel Park, and various parks and medical facilities.

Significant investments have been made in major markets, night markets, and food and beverage areas along the Thach Han and Hieu rivers, along with the development of hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and commercial centers. These efforts have enhanced the city’s modern, clean, and orderly appearance. As a result, the poverty rate in Dong Ha has fallen to 1.47%, and living standards continue to rise.

A bridge over the Hieu River adds to Dong Ha Green City’s landscape. Photo: N.T.H

By 2045, the goal is for Dong Ha to meet the criteria for a first-tier city, becoming a green, smart, and sustainably developed urban center. The city’s urban development plan follows a model with one central area and three main axes, supported by four key breakthroughs.

The central axis, centered around the Hieu River’s urban landscape, combines commerce, services, and tourism. The northern axis is focused on commerce, services, healthcare, and sports, while the southern axis is designated for eco-friendly high-tech industries and warehousing. Key development areas include a northern hub for commerce and services, a southern ecological urban zone, an eastern commercial-service area, and the Khe May and Trung Chi lakeside ecological zones.

Currently, Dong Ha is advancing the Central Coastal Urban Development Project towards green growth and climate adaptation, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with an investment of over VND1.2 trillion ($48 million).

The project consists of two components namely construction and technical support to enhance capacity. Green infrastructure initiatives include building and dredging along Hoi Song, the Thach Han River, and the Vinh Phuoc River, as well as upgrading infrastructure in the southern Hieu River and low-income areas to create a sustainable urban environment.

This project plays a crucial role in enhancing the city’s position, boosting economic growth, and modernizing its infrastructure, contributing to sustainable urban development. It will also positively impact other urban areas in the North Central and Central Coastal regions.

Under the 2045 Urban Master Plan, Dong Ha will focus on advancing infrastructure, smart city development, and meeting second-tier city standards. With connections to the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone, My Thuy Deep-water Port, Cua Viet Port, Quang Tri Airport, and major expressways, Dong Ha is set to become a key hub for regional and international connectivity, driving the province’s growth along the East-West Economic Corridor.

Thanh Hai – Linh Pham