Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính speaks to the workers of Nha Trang - Cam Lâm expressway project during his inspection visit on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

KHÁNH HÒA — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Thursday inspected the progress of the over 49km long Nha Trang - Cam Lâm expressway project, which forms part of the eastern section of the North-South Expressway.

The project's total investment is more than VNĐ5.5 trillion (US$235 million) from a public-private partnership, with VNĐ2.5 trillion from Sơn Hải Group and nearly VNĐ3 trillion from the State budget.

Construction of the section began in September last year. The work is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

Speaking to the project’s staff and employees, PM Chính praised their spirit, urgency and action.

He said that since the inspection visit made exactly one year ago, many breakthroughs had been recorded; the Dốc Sạn tunnel is one example.

Today, the road has taken shape and the Dốc Sạn tunnel is already near completion, he said.

The PM also praised Sơn Hải Group for successfully applying new technology in the construction, such as the median strip with anti-glare modules that measures 1.2 metres tall.

PM Chính said that the lessons learned from this project are always to remain practical and what would benefit the country and the people must be done drastically.

It is also important to select competent and dedicated investors and contractors and mobilise resources across the whole society for development, which includes public-private partnerships, ensuring the interests between the State, the people and businesses.

PM Chính said: “Resources stem from thinking, motivation stems from innovation, and power stems from the people.”

He also requested that ministries and agencies coordinate to adjust regulations and criteria in selecting investors and contractors in accordance with the actual situation so that more resources can be attracted for the projects.

He added that standards for evaluating and recognising competent and efficient units should also be developed.

PM Chính noted that Sơn Hải Group must continue their achievements in the construction progress to ensure schedule and quality, avoiding problems that might raise the project's capital investment.

They also had to ensure labour safety, environmental and landscape protection in the areas that the route passes through and at construction material mines.

The leader asked that the company continue innovating its operations and striving to complete the project three months ahead of schedule.

The Ministry of Transport is also requested to study and apply the advanced technology in making the median strips to other projects and recognise the group’s commitment to a 10-year guarantee on routes it helps build. — VNS