Green growth prospects for coastal urban development in Dong Ha City

The Coastal Urban Development Project in Central Vietnam, aimed at green growth and climate change adaptation for Dong Ha City, is funded by a loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), with a total investment of EUR42.36 million. Scheduled for implementation from 2024 to 2027, the project’s goal is to transform Dong Ha into a green city, resilient to climate change, in alignment with the city’s master plan for 2030 and vision for 2045, approved by the Provincial People’s Committee. This also follows the national urban development strategy to 2025 and vision for 2050, as approved by the Government.

Like many coastal urban areas in Central Vietnam, heavily affected by climate change, natural disasters, and frequent floods, Dong Ha City faces recurring issues of unusual weather events, flooding, riverbank erosion, and saltwater intrusion.

A bridge in Dong Ha City. Photo: N.T.H

The Central Coastal Urban Development Project, focused on green growth and climate change adaptation in Dong Ha City, covers nine wards in the city center over an area of approximately 73 square kilometers. This project area is the city’s political, economic, cultural, and social hub and is densely populated, resulting in significant flood and pollution issues that impact a large portion of residents. The project aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure, support green growth, and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, creating a sustainable urban living environment.

The project, classified as Group B, consists of two investment components: construction and technical support to build capacity, led by Dong Ha City’s People’s Committee. Key components include constructing embankments and dredging along the 4,690-meter stretch of the Hoi Song River; building embankments along the west bank of the Thach Han River and the north bank of the Vinh Phuoc River across five sections, totaling approximately 7,018 meters; dredging and constructing embankments from the downstream area of the Trung Chi reservoir spillway to the Dong Luong Ward fields; upgrading the drainage system downstream of the Khe May reservoir; and enhancing infrastructure south of the Hieu River.

Other project activities include upgrading infrastructure in low-income areas, supporting urban planning for climate resilience and flood management, and assisting with a pilot city program for green urban growth in Vietnam. Additionally, the project aims to foster local economic activities and create green jobs. Currently, the project is in the land clearance phase.

On October 4, 2024, AFD officials concluded a review of the project in Quang Tri Province, agreeing to start tendering for project packages in November 2024. The first disbursement for the grant aid loan has been extended to June 30, 2025, with an estimated 11 million euros planned for initial disbursement to cover all project advances in 2025. In Dong Ha, the current Hoi Song riverbank remains an unpaved area with no road access. Since 2008, the riverbank has frequently eroded during rainy seasons, stretching 4,690 meters in length, 4-7 meters in width, and about 2 meters deep.

Annual floods from upstream waters cause extensive damage to land and crops, disrupting residents' lives. The Hoi Song embankment will clear and widen the river channel, regulate water flow, prevent erosion, enhance urban infrastructure, and improve emergency and disaster response, protecting lives, assets, farmland, and residents’ stability.

On the west bank of the Thach Han River and north bank of the Vinh Phuoc River, erosion has advanced 3-5 meters inland during rainy seasons, reducing agricultural land for nearby communities. Constructing embankments along these riverbanks will help prevent flooding in riverside neighborhoods, curb saltwater intrusion, stabilize the riverbanks, and protect lives, property, and other infrastructure.

The drainage systems downstream of the Trung Chi and Khe May reservoirs currently face pollution from wastewater and waste deposited into urban channels. Encroachment on parts of the channel narrows the waterway, obstructing flow and causing flooding. Renovating these drainage channels will improve the city’s appearance and reduce environmental pollution.

Additional green spaces will be developed, including lakes that serve as cooling areas to reduce the urban heat island effect. The project will also upgrade infrastructure in South Hieu River and enhance transportation, water supply, and drainage systems in low-income neighborhoods, creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing space while managing land resources, ensuring environmental hygiene, preventing water pollution, and enhancing the quality of life for surrounding residents.

Le Thi Ngoc Ha, Head of Urban Management in Dong Ha, noted that, along with other recent investments, the Coastal Urban Development Project focused on green growth and climate change adaptation will address critical challenges, including flood control, riverbank erosion, and saltwater intrusion, which Dong Ha faces as climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable.

These infrastructure improvements support green growth, preserve natural water biodiversity, and mitigate urban heat. The project’s infrastructure investments, once completed, will help reduce encroachment on waterways, improve land management, and ensure urban order.

Co Dau Park emerges as a famous check-in point. Photo: N.T.H

Developing the urban infrastructure will foster a modern, appealing urban landscape, support economic growth, create green jobs, increase income and living standards, and narrow the gap between inner and outer city areas, creating a safe, sustainable environment for residents.

On August 8, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 813/QD-TTg recognizing Dong Ha City as a Class II city under Quang Tri Province. This marks a significant milestone in realizing the aspiration for a dynamic, youthful urban center in Central Vietnam. Dong Ha is positioned as an economic hub on the East-West Economic Corridor, serving as the eastern gateway from the Pacific, connecting with Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and extending to the Indian Ocean.

In 2018, Dong Ha was honored as one of 37 cities worldwide to reach the finals of the Green Cities Competition (2017-2018) organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Additionally, the city is among 23 urban centers selected by the Prime Minister to pilot green growth development as a model for broader application.

The revised Master Plan for Dong Ha through 2045 envisions a city with a green, eco-friendly, and smart urban design. Strategically planned, Dong Ha is set to become an economic center in North Central Vietnam, serving as the political, cultural, service, trade, financial, tourism, and industrial hub for the province and a critical urban area along the East-West Economic Corridor.

The city is currently coordinating with provincial departments to align development according to green and sustainable urban criteria. As one of 23 selected cities for green urban growth, Dong Ha is committed to creating a cityscape that supports sustainable use of resources, ensuring long-term benefits for its residents.

Thanh Hai - Ngoc Mai