JavaScript is off. Please enable to view full site.

Vietnam to set up project to repair pothole-riddled expressway

Vietnam to set up project to repair pothole-riddled expressway

Sunday, April 19, 2020, 09:49 GMT+7
Vietnam to set up project to repair pothole-riddled expressway
Workers are seen filling a pothole on Da Nang-Quang Ngai Expressway in central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

A 139-kilometer-long expressway linking Da Nang to neighboring Quang Ngai Province, which became run-down shortly after opening, is expected to be under extensive repair through the formulation of a project.

In a report to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) presented its findings of a serious construction mismanagement case involving the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) in the construction of the expressway.

The MPS suggested the head of government assign the Ministry of Transport to put together a council in charge of a project to repair the expressway.

Once in place, the project will make it possible for the MPS to assess construction damage caused by those individuals and organizations involved.

The four-lane expressway was developed in five years by the state-run VEC at a total cost of VND34.5 trillion (US$1.7 billion), funded by government bond sales and loans from the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Many sections on the expressway are flooded since construction contractors have allegedly failed to meet design requirements. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Many sections on the expressway are flooded since construction contractors have allegedly failed to meet design requirements. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

The first section connecting Da Nang to Quang Nam Province’s Tam Ky City, was opened to traffic in August 2017 and the last section, from Tam Ky to Quang Ngai Province, followed suit in September 2018.

Touted as an artery road linking major economic centers, the expressway saw numerous parts riddled with potholes, some measuring up to half a meter wide, just several weeks later.

At least nine former executives and chief contractors in connection with the Da Nang-Tam Ky section were accused of irregularities in the construction and work approval of the expressway.

Investigators alleged that contractors and inspection consultants had failed to meet technical and design criteria for the expressway, and had even flouted regulations on construction, leading to serious consequences

The VEC was previously authorized to collect tolls from vehicles traveling on the expressway for 24 years starting 2018 under the build-operate-transfer financing model, with fares ranging from VND180,000 (US$8) to VND790,000 ($34) per vehicle.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Tuoi Tre News

More

Read more

;

Photos

VIDEOS

‘Taste of Australia’ gala dinner held in Ho Chi Minh City after 2-year hiatus

Taste of Australia Gala Reception has returned to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Vietnamese woman gives unconditional love to hundreds of adopted children

Despite her own immense hardship, she has taken in and cared for hundreds of orphans over the past three decades.

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta celebrates spring with ‘hat boi’ performances

The art form is so popular that it attracts people from all ages in the Mekong Delta

Vietnamese youngster travels back in time with clay miniatures

Each work is a scene caught by Dung and kept in his memories through his journeys across Vietnam

Latest news