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| HCM City has asked the government to allocate an additional VNĐ48.76 trillion (US$2.14 billion) worth of ODA funds for the city to continue work on two projects. — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh |
Viet Nam News
HCM CITY — HCM City authorities have asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional VNĐ48.762 trillion (US$2.14 billion) of official development assistance (ODA) in the next three years, with VNĐ8 trillion ($352.33 million) allocated for this year.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has urged the city to work with the government to request more funds to implement two JICA-funded projects this year.
The work includes construction on metro line No 1 Bến Thành-Suối Tiên and the second phase of a water environment improvement project on the Tàu Hủ-Bến Nghé-Đôi-Tẻ canal.
Under commitments with the contractors, annual ODA loans needed for the two projects would reach VNĐ29.512 trillion ($1.3 billion) by 2020, and VNĐ7 trillion ($308.34 million) for this year.
However, ODA funds from the central Government this year have yet to be allocated for the two projects, according to the municipal People’s Committee.
The city has also asked the Prime Minister to urge the ministries to consider allocating ODA funds for the projects to meet the construction schedule.
Allocation of ODA funds on time plays an important role in ensuring the progress of project implementation and prevents costs incurred by late payments claimed by foreign contractors.
JICA last year signed ODA loan agreements with Việt Nam, totaling JPY166.124 billion ($1.534 billion) for three projects.
The three projects are the metro line No 1 under the HCM City Urban Railway Construction Project, the second phase of the water environment improvement project, and the Thái Bình thermal power plant and transmission line construction project.
The loans aim to improve economic infrastructure essential to strengthening Việt Nam’s competitiveness and promoting environmental improvements.
The construction of the urban railway will alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution while encouraging regional economic development.
The water drainage project in HCM City is expected to improve water treatment capacity and reduce flooding.
In addition, the Thái Bình power project will use coal produced in the country to meet increasing power needs, boosting economic development and strengthening the country’s international competitiveness. — VNS
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