Dong Ha focuses on modern transport infrastructure development

In recent years, recognizing that transportation infrastructure must lead in the development of the economy and society while ensuring national defense and security for Dong Ha City, significant resources have been invested to expand the transportation system. This expansion aims to improve connectivity within the central urban areas of the provincial capital and link Dong Ha with surrounding development zones.

In recent years, it has been evident that the transportation infrastructure in Dong Ha has developed in a fairly synchronized manner, with many large-scale projects gradually creating a continuous transportation system.

This has expanded the urban development area, including roads such as Le Thanh Tong, Tran Binh Trong, Tran Nguyen Han, Tran Phu, Le Loi extended, Hoang Dieu, Ba Trieu, Thanh Nien, Phuong 2 to Dong Le - Dong Luong, Tan So, Con Co, Thach Han, the eastern bypass of Dong Ha city, the Hieu suspension bridge, Vinh Phuoc bridge, Dai Loc bridge, and the road connecting National Highway 1, Hieu river bridge, and the Hieu river salinity control dam.

Investments have been made to build several new roads to connect the outskirts, such as roads into Khe Lap area, Phuong 3, and the route connecting National Highway 9 and Dien Bien Phu street in Phuong 3 and Phuong 4. In addition, the upgrading and expansion of other roads have been carried out according to the approved general planning.

New investments are being directed toward the construction of roads connecting the suburban areas, regional roads, and those within the internal ring areas, in accordance with the detailed zoning plans for the wards. Priority is given to developing important main roads within the city, facilitating traffic circulation and serving production purposes. Many inner-city streets, small residential areas, and deteriorated concrete roads have been upgraded, expanded, and sidewalks completed.

For the past few months, Mr. Nguyen Tuy from Dinh Tien Hoang street (Phuong 1) has been excited about the road upgrading project, which includes road surfaces, sidewalks, and drainage systems. “Although it is not fully completed yet, the long-standing wish of the residents is becoming a reality, as this area has dense population and high traffic,” Mr. Tuy shared.

Similarly, Ms. Hoang Anh from Tran Binh Trong street expressed her happiness: "The government’s investment in improving this road benefits residents not only because it facilitates travel and commerce, increasing land value, but also because it expands the urban space and landscape, as well as the population in the western area of the city."

This is not only the joy of many Dong Ha residents as the transportation system has expanded in recent years, but it also marks a significant foundation for Dong Ha to be recognized by the Prime Minister as a type-II urban area.

Along with the expansion of transportation infrastructure, significant resources have been invested to address existing challenges, enhance safety, and improve critical intersections. In the past five years, nearly 40 traffic junctions have been repaired, upgraded, and expanded, including the installation of traffic signs, traffic lights, speed bumps, and road markings. Some of the key junctions include National Highway 1 - Tran Hung Dao, Bui Thi Xuan Street; Ham Nghi - Nguyen Trai, Ham Nghi - Ton That Thuyet; National Highway 1 - Hoang Dieu, Thanh Nien Road; Khoa Bao - National Highway 9; Le Loi - Ly Thuong Kiet. These improvements have contributed to completing the infrastructure according to the planning, ensuring traffic safety, and enhancing the urban aesthetics.

According to the Dong Ha People’s Committee, the city now has over 535 km of roads with various types of road surfaces, including asphalt concrete, tarmac, cement concrete, and dirt roads. Among these, 3 national highways managed by the central government pass through the city, covering 20.3 km; 20 provincial roads spanning approximately 35.5 km; and 215 city-managed roads (with names) covering 136.7 km.

"The development of transportation infrastructure in the area has achieved significant results. This has created favorable conditions for boosting economic development, ensuring national defense and security, improving rescue operations, and expanding urban development space. It also aligns with the idea of taking the Hieu river as the central development axis of Dong Ha.

However, compared to development needs, the city’s transportation infrastructure requires further and timely investment. The local government hopes that the central government and province will prioritize resources to continue improving the transportation infrastructure," said Mr. Ho Sy Trung, Chairman of the Dong Ha People’s Committee.

For any locality, transportation infrastructure must always come first to serve development needs. This is even more crucial for Dong Ha City. Therefore, in addition to effectively mobilizing local resources for transportation infrastructure, Dong Ha must continue to leverage the attention and support of the province and central government, closely collaborate with relevant departments, and coordinate efforts to overcome obstacles and quickly implement quality transportation projects.

This is an important requirement for the city to better fulfill its role as the political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the province and as a dynamic urban area along the East-West Economic Corridor.

According to the report from the Dong Ha City People’s Committee, the growth rate of the production value of various economic sectors in 2024 is estimated to reach 13.47% compared to 2023, surpassing the planned target. Among these, the service sector increased by 11.8%, industry and construction grew by 17%, and agriculture saw a rise of 5.26%.

The city’s total budget revenue is expected to reach VND772.785 billion, achieving 154.6% of the provincial People’s Council’s estimate and 110% of the city’s People’s Council’s estimate.

Dong Ha City has completed the adjustment of its urban development program until 2045, which has been approved by the provincial People’s Committee. The city has also finalized the urban architecture management regulations. Currently, the city is advising the provincial People’s Committee to present the plan to the provincial People’s Council for approval at the final meeting of 2024.

Over the past year, the city People’s Committee has focused on directing the adjustment of zoning plans for the wards. To date, five out of nine wards have had their zoning adjustments approved at a 1/2000 scale. The remaining four wards are accelerating progress and aim to have their zoning plans approved in the first quarter of 2025.

Social welfare efforts have been prioritized; the organizational structure has been strengthened, and political stability and social order have been maintained.

2025 marks the year to complete the implementation of the 13th Party Congress Resolution of Dong Ha City and the 5-year socioeconomic development plan for 2021-2025. Therefore, the city People’s Committee will focus on accomplishing seven key tasks to achieve the main goals and targets outlined.

Vu Hoang - Ngoc Mai