Quang Tri, AFD strengthen ties to advance coastal urban development

Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Hoang Nam, on May 8 chaired a meeting with Hervé Conan, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Vietnam, at the headquarters of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee.

The meeting aimed to review the progress of the Coastal Urban Development Project in Central Vietnam, which focuses on green growth and climate change adaptation in Dong Ha City.Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the project has played a key role in promoting sustainable development, enhancing resilience to climate change, and improving living conditions, particularly in low-income communities.

Acting Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nam chaired a working session with Hervé Conan, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Vietnam. Photo: T.T.

The project is divided into two main components.

The Coastal Urban Development Project in Dong Ha City is structured around two main components aimed at boosting climate resilience and promoting green growth.Component 1 centers on infrastructure development. It includes the construction of protective embankments around the Song Canal, along the west bank of the Thach Han River, and the north bank of the Vinh Phuoc River. The project also upgrades drainage systems at Trung Chi Lake and the downstream area of Khe May Lake. In addition, it focuses on improving living conditions in low-income neighborhoods and reducing disaster risks.Component 2 provides technical assistance and capacity building. This includes support for sustainable urban planning, flood management, and climate change adaptation. A key objective is to position Dong Ha City as a pilot model for green growth development planning in Vietnam.During the meeting, a representative of the Provincial People’s Committee reported notable progress under Component 1 of the Coastal Urban Development Project.The site clearance for road infrastructure in low-income areas has been completed for 60 out of 67 routes, which have already been handed over to the contractor. The drainage system package is expected to be awarded in May 2025. Meanwhile, other construction packages under this component are being fast-tracked, with contractor selection underway and contract awards targeted for June 2025.For Component 2, the technical support package will be opened for bidding on May 9. Procedures and coordination among parties are being actively implemented to ensure the overall progress of the project.Hervé Conan, Director of AFD in Vietnam, appreciated the proactive approach of Quang Tri Province and Dong Ha City in project implementation. He suggested that local authorities should continue to prioritize site clearance, ensuring timely handover of clean land to construction units.Hervé Conan also agreed with the site clearance method of “rolling implementation” - dividing the process into phases, completing each phase comprehensively to avoid disputes and facilitate construction.Furthermore, given the ongoing administrative adjustments in local governance, AFD expects both sides to enhance coordination, especially in signing implementation contracts from now until June 30, 2025, to ensure disbursement progress and on-schedule construction.Concluding the meeting, Acting Chairman Hoang Nam expressed gratitude to AFD for its valuable support and active cooperation over time. He affirmed that the Provincial People’s Committee would continue directing the Dong Ha City People’s Committee to focus on implementing the agreed contents with AFD, particularly in site clearance, completing investment procedures, and closely coordinating with the donor.The provincial leadership committed to protecting the rights of residents, especially those benefiting from the project, while minimizing negative impacts during the implementation process.In response to AFD’s concerns about the administrative restructuring scheduled for July 1, Nam assured that the administrative model transition would not disrupt public investment activities or affect ongoing programs and projects. The Provincial People’s Committee will direct relevant departments and local authorities to review and adjust the management plan to align with the upcoming two-tier government model.Nam said the committee would continue to closely monitor and prioritize the project’s objectives, ensuring effective implementation and timely completion.

Thanh Truc - Tung Lam