The construction of the long-delayed amusement park and zoo in Việt Nam has sped up since the government of HCM City has allowed Vinpearl Joint Stock Company (Vinpearl) to work with a foreign partner, which is drawing up detailed plans. — Photo thoibao.today

HCM CITY — The construction of the long-delayed amusement park and zoo in Việt Nam has sped up since the government of HCM City has allowed Vinpearl Joint Stock Company (Vinpearl) to work with a foreign partner, which is drawing up detailed plans.

In an official letter signed by Deputy Chairman of HCM City Lê Văn Khoa, the city government suggested that Vinpearl cover all expenses for the design of the US$500-million Sài Gòn Safari Park. 

According to the letter, if the design is not approved by the city, the company should cover all expenses it has had to pay.

The HCM City People’s Committee has assigned the Department of Planning and Architect to inspect the 1/2000 zoning plan and report to the city government.

The city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment was asked to coordinate with Củ Chi District’s government in announcing the plan to use land for the park.

The Department of Transport was asked to work with Vinpearl for road connectivity to the park, including bus route and expansion of Nguyễn Thị Rành Street.

According to the city’s Department of Planning and Investment, the Sài Gòn Safari Park will be built on 456.85 hectares of land.

The Zoo and Botanical Garden Company, which was a former investor of the project, has received 403.5 hectares of land.

The project affects 705 households in the region. Compensation was paid to 688 households, and 17 others have not reached a compensation agreement with the local government.

The city started site clearance work in 2004, relocating around 700 families. The delay has caused frustration among affected families, with many asking to return. 

After being delayed for 12 years, reportedly due to a lack of funding, the project was handed over to Vinpearl, also the developer of the country’s first safari park in the southern island of Phú Quốc. 

The park will consist of an open zoo, a night safari, a butterfly garden, a botanical collection, a natural museum, a flora and fauna research centre, and a picnic site, as well as other support facilities.

The park will be home to more than 300 animal species with 10,000 animals and 3,000 kinds of plants. — VNS