World Bank aids Vietnam's transport, flood control efforts

The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has recently approved more than US$500 million in support for improvements to road and bridge networks as well as flood control and sanitation conditions in Vietnam.

A US$385 million results-based operation called Local Bridge Construction and Road Asset Management will enhance road access and lower road users’ transport costs in participating provinces.

The project will provide US$245.5 million for the construction or restoration of 2,174 small bridges to isolated and impoverished communities in 50 provinces across Vietnam along with US$4.5 million in technical assistance for project completion.

It also includes US$135 million for the rehabilitation of 676 kilometres and maintenance of 48,578 kilometres of local roads in 14 targeted provinces.

In addition, a flood risk and water management project worth US$150 million will directly benefit inhabitants in flood-prone areas along the Phan River by strengthening flood risk management capacity and improving wastewater management in the northern province of Vinh Phuc.

The project will provide flood control infrastructure, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, as well as strengthen capacity in the province for flood forecasting and prevention.

It aims to protect over 255,000 residents, or 60% in rural areas and 40% in urban areas and small towns, and approximately 5,720 hectares out of 8,390 frequently flooded hectares from flooding over a ten year return period.

The project will also improve sanitation conditions for about 120,000 residents living in four towns and 33 rural villages, and support the province with the establishment of a flood early warning and emergency response system and a river basin management mechanism.

(Source: NDO)