Crossing Hậu River, the cable-stayed Vàm Cống Bridge links the city of Cần Thơ and Đồng Tháp Province in the Mekong Delta. — VNA/VNS Photo Vũ Sinh

MEKONG DELTA — A transport infrastructure project costing VNĐ2.1 trillion (US$88.1 million) has been approved to increase the transport capacity of inland waterways in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta, according to the Ministry of Transport.

The Minister of Transport has signed a decision approving the first phase of the project, which will include building nine new bridges, upgrading and renovating one bridge and dismantling one bridge crossing the inland waterways of the city of Cần Thơ, and the provinces of Long An, Đồng Tháp, Bến Tre, Kiên Giang and Vĩnh Long.

It is expected to reduce congestion on roads and improve the freight transport capacity of inland waterways between HCM City and major ports in the delta.

The project’s total investment capital will be sourced from the State budget, including VNĐ598 billion ($25 million) for payment of land compensation and resettlement support works.

Construction of the project is expected to start in 2023 and be completed in 2025.

The ministry has assigned its Management Board for Waterway Projects to be responsible for the design appraisal and selecting contractors for the project.

As the country’s main rice bowl and the source of seafood and fruits, the delta has a river system about 28,000km long, so waterway transport plays a key role in the region.

However, the delta's inland waterway transport has not yet fully exploited its potential because of the current poor transportation infrastructure and the lack of investment in inland waterways.

Many localities and seaport companies have complained that many main canals are showing signs of serious deterioration which are considered “bottlenecks” for the transportation of agricultural products in the delta.

Therefore, it is necessary to invest more in the delta region’s seaports and logistics services, which will promote the export of agricultural products and develop the region's economy. — VNS