Removing obstacles for environmental projects.

Recently, the component projects under the Sustainable Environment Project for Coastal Cities - Nha Trang sub-project have encountered many unresolved obstacles, affecting the construction progress.

The bottleneck lies in the land clearance process.

According to the Provincial Development Project Management Board, the components of the Nha Trang sub-project have not yet received full land handover for construction. Specifically, the northern wastewater treatment plant and collection system have completed the main construction, but some auxiliary items such as fences and drainage ditches cannot be completed due to land acquisition issues. Therefore, acceptance, handover, and commissioning have not yet been carried out. In addition, the process of establishing operating norms and unit prices for the plant is still facing difficulties, meaning that although the plant has been officially operating for more than 3 months, it has not yet been handed over. The contractor currently lacks sufficient funds to maintain the entire system and has requested the Provincial Development Project Management Board to report to relevant agencies to expedite the process of receiving, handing over, and operating the plant.

Although the main components of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Plant have been completed, many auxiliary components remain unimplemented due to land acquisition issues.

Furthermore, the Ngoc Hiep Resettlement Area Infrastructure Construction Project – expected to contribute to stabilizing the lives of local residents – has also encountered numerous obstacles. The Project Management Board has requested the World Bank to adjust the resettlement policy framework to suit the specific characteristics of this area, but has yet to receive an official written response, affecting the implementation progress.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hien, Director of the Provincial Development Project Management Board, stated that the board has coordinated with local authorities to pay compensation for cases that have been agreed upon by the World Bank. However, the number of cases requiring adjustments is currently very large, while the World Bank has been slow to respond with revised and supplementary plans, leading to insufficient grounds for continued payments. This not only slows down progress but also risks incurring additional compensation costs due to delays.

Urgent action needed

Faced with these difficulties, the Provincial Development Project Management Board has proposed that the Provincial People's Committee consider implementing the temporary acceptance procedure for the operation of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Plant, while continuing to complete the legal procedures related to land handover. This is considered a flexible solution that ensures environmental protection while not disrupting the project's progress. The Board also requested the Provincial People's Committee to direct relevant agencies to promptly complete the land price approval process (including resettlement land prices), and to request the Nha Trang City People's Committee to expedite the approval of specific land prices to serve as a basis for compensation.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hien stated that the committee has proposed that the Provincial People's Committee direct Nha Trang City, the Project Compensation, Support, and Resettlement Council, and the Provincial Land Fund Development Center to expedite the review, appraisal, and approval of adjusted and supplementary compensation, support, and resettlement plans, ensuring compliance with the project's policy framework. The goal is to complete the process early and hand over the land for construction. Simultaneously, Nha Trang City and relevant units are required to prepare all necessary documents and procedures to be ready to implement compulsory land acquisition and construction protection once the World Bank agrees on the principle.

Mr. Le Huu Hoang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that the Provincial People's Committee is determined to resolve difficulties and obstacles in environmental projects using World Bank loans. However, to succeed, synchronized coordination and high responsibility from all relevant parties are needed to ensure the projects are implemented effectively, bringing practical benefits to the community and contributing to building a green, clean, and beautiful Nha Trang City. The Provincial People's Committee has requested relevant departments, the Provincial Development Project Management Board, the Nha Trang City People's Committee, and the Provincial Land Fund Development Center to urgently resolve obstacles, expedite the approval and payment of compensation for the remaining adjustment plans. In cases exceeding their authority, they must immediately report to the Provincial People's Committee for timely guidance. When necessary, meetings will be held to discuss and find optimal solutions, ensuring that land clearance is carried out in accordance with the law and commitments to the World Bank.

Ms. MARIAM J. SHERMAN - World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos: The World Bank has spent considerable time studying the remaining compensation issues. With limited time remaining for construction, all parties need to make every effort to ensure progress. We will work closely with Khanh Hoa province to find suitable solutions that meet the necessary requirements and help the project be completed on schedule. Hopefully, with the efforts of all parties, the obstacles will be resolved soon, avoiding the need for coercive measures to hand over the land.

DINH LAM

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202504/go-vuong-cho-cac-du-an-moi-truong-a7124c4/