Nghi Loc: Large outstanding debts for basic construction investment, many cases of delayed settlement.

(Baonghean.vn) - TDuring a working session with district leaders as part of the program to monitor basic construction investment using the budget on the morning of March 22nd,Comrade Hoang Viet Duong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council - suggested that Nghi Loc district prioritize allocating funds to repay debts for completed projects and limit the commencement of new projects.

Comrade Hoang Viet Duong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council - chaired the meeting. Photo: Minh Chi

During a monitoring visit on basic construction investment using the state budget in Nghi Loc district on the morning of March 22nd, the working group of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council acknowledged Nghi Loc district's seriousness in implementing the 2014 Public Investment Law.

Evidence shows that in the two years (2015 and 2016), the public debt ratio for newly started projects invested in by the district was low. Specifically, out of 19 newly started projects, the debt was only over 4.8 billion VND, of which 4.5 billion VND was owed in 2015 (10 projects) and 312 million VND was owed in 2016 (12 projects).

Comrade Nguyen Tien Dung - Chairman of the Nghi Loc District People's Committee - affirmed that the district will have solutions and prioritize paying off debts for some basic construction investment projects. Photo: Minh Chi

However, many projects where the district was the investor before 2015 were undertaken due to limited allocated capital and the need to invest in projects to achieve national standard school status, communes meeting health standards, and essential infrastructure projects, especially those related to the New Rural Development program where the commune is the investor. As a result, the number of projects and the amount of outstanding construction debt remain significant.

Besides the large outstanding debt for infrastructure construction, another concerning issue in Nghi Loc district is the high number of projects with delayed final settlements, totaling 152 projects (the highest in the province).

The survey team is conducting a site visit to assess the progress of the project to renovate and upgrade the irrigation canal system serving 11 communes in the western part of Nghi Loc district. Photo: Minh Chi.

During the working session, the delegation from the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council also requested Nghi Loc district to clarify 12 projects that arose outside the planned schedule; clearly define the funding sources for the project to repair and upgrade the type 3 canal system of reservoirs, dams, and pumping stations in Nghi Loc district; and supplement solutions and find funding sources to repay debts for the projects...

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Hoang Viet Duong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, requested the district to seriously direct basic construction projects in accordance with the Law on Public Investment; prioritize capital allocation to repay debts for completed and unfinished projects, and limit the commencement of new projects.

In addition, the district needs to expedite the final settlement of completed projects; review and identify outstanding debts for basic construction at each budget level to develop plans for timely collection and handling; strengthen guidance, supervision, and monitoring of construction progress to ensure that projects are completed with quality and efficiency when put into use; and focus on resolving unfinished projects, especially those involving the renovation and upgrading of irrigation canals, contributing to improving people's lives.

Minh Chi