Vinh City is about to launch a project worth nearly $200 million.

Project "Infrastructure priorities and urban development adapting to climate change in Vinh City, Nghe An Province."The project, approved by the Prime Minister in early 2021, is a Group A project, with the managing agency being the People's Committee of Nghe An province and the project owner being the People's Committee of Vinh city. The project is funded by the World Bank."

According to the project approval decision, the project is proposed to have 4 components. Specifically:

*Component 1: Integrated and interconnected drainage and sanitation investment. Includes improving the integration of secondary and tertiary sewer lines; Upgrading and renovating roads to increase resilience.

* Component 2: Expanding water storage capacity to reduce urban flooding, including: Construction of Hung Hoa 2 regulating reservoir; Construction of Hoi Chua pumping station.

*Component 3: River Improvement and Public Space Upgrading. Includes: Upgrading and renovating the Vinh River; Upgrading the river surface and public spaces.

*Component 4: Developing systems and capacities to improve urban adaptation. Includes: Strengthening the operation of the Hung Hoa Wastewater Treatment Plant and providing technical support.

The Vinh River will be renovated and upgraded. Photo: Quang An

This is considered the second "mega" infrastructure investment project funded by the World Bank for the city, following the completion and high praise for the effectiveness of the Vinh Urban Sub-project.

The project aims to support the development of integrated infrastructure and climate change adaptation capacity in Vinh City, contributing to sustainable urban development and climate change adaptation, thereby creating momentum for comprehensive socio-economic development for Vinh City and Nghe An Province.

The specific objectives are to reduce flooding and adapt to climate change in the city through the renovation and upgrading of the drainage system; to improve the city's environmental conditions and the quality of life for its residents through the renovation and upgrading of the wastewater collection and treatment system; to strengthen connectivity between the central area and developing areas with weak infrastructure, thereby creating momentum for the city's development through the construction of several connecting roads; and to enhance urban management capacity to adapt to climate change and control flooding in Vinh City.

The ancient moat – a component of the Vinh urban sub-project – has been completed and put into use. Photo: Archival material.

The total investment for the project is expected to be US$194.44 million, equivalent to VND 4,500 billion, of which: WB IBRD loan: US$130 million, equivalent to VND 3,009 billion; Domestic counterpart funding: US$64.44 million, equivalent to VND 1,491 billion.

Vinh Market was flooded during the 2019 rainy season. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Tran Ngoc Tu, Chairman of the Vinh City People's Committee, stated: When the project is implemented and completed, it will enhance the synchronous connection of the urban transportation system, improve the environment, and respond to climate change to improve the quality of life for households in the city center and surrounding areas; improve drainage capacity, reduce flooding, and adapt to climate change for the city through activities such as renovating and upgrading the drainage system, renovating the Vinh River, and building the Rao Dung pumping station; and improve the city's environmental conditions and sanitation conditions for residents through the renovation and upgrading of the wastewater collection and treatment system.