Two important projects groundbroken in HCMC

The groundbreaking ceremony of two important projects on flood control and tumor hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), June 26, 2016 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

The event also drew the attendance of former State President Nguyen Minh Triet, former PM Nguyen Tan Dung, President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan, Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh, HCM City Party Secretary Dinh La Thang.

The flood-control project, which had climate change impact assessments, will follow the BT model. It had a total investment of VND 10 trillion (US$442.5 million) and will be constructed in 36 months (in 2016-2018). The project targets to control flood and respond to climate change for around 6.5 million people in the areas of 570 sq.km.

Especially, six big tide-controlling sluices, namely Ben Nghe, Tan Thuan, Phu Xuan, Muong Chuoi, Chay Kho, and Phu Dinh will be built. A 7.8-km dyke along the Sai Gon River from Vam Thuat to Song Kinh in the phase 1 and 25 small sluices from Vam Thuat to Muong Chuoi will be constructed.

The project spans across Districts 1, 4, 7, 8, and Nha Be and Binh Chanh districts and around 300 households with 1,500 people will be relocated.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, PM Phuc highlighted the significance of the project for the city.

He stressed the need to review and update new technology; invite scientists and experts to successfully realize the project; ensure labor safety; prevent traffic accidents; prepare proper resettlement plans; and combat corruption.

The same day, the PM also partook the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new facility of the over-loaded Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital in Tan Phu ward, District 9.

The VND 5.85 trillion (US$258.6 million) facility will have 1,000 beds, helping ease the overload being suffered by the Oncology Hospital. The hospitalhas to accommodate the number of patients that exceeds 170% of its capacity at times.

The PM said with the growing cancer cases, approximately 150,000 a year, the construction of specialized hospitals like this one will meet rising demand for medical examinations and treatment.

PM Phuc welcomed the cooperation of the local authorities and the Ministry of Health, calling on the constructors and contractors to accomplish the project on schedule with safety ensured.