A new bridge over Hòa Bình Canal in An Giang Province’s Phú Tân District is one of 581 new rural bridges built over the last five years in the province. — Photo mt.gov.vn

AN GIANG — More than VNĐ806 billion (US$34.7 million) has been mobilised over the last few years to build 581 new rural bridges in An Giang Province.

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang last week reviewed its five-year project on using private investment for rural bridges.

The province has numerous canals, ditches and rivers that have caused difficulties for transportation and local economic development, especially in rural areas.

Nguyễn Phú Tân, director of the provincial Department of Transport, said the project achieved 120.7 per cent of the target, exceeding the plan of 100 bridges.

The project was estimated to cost VNĐ1.5 trillion ($64.7 million), including VNĐ480 billion ($20.6 million) from the private sector and the remainder from the State Budget.

As a result, the total of VNĐ806 billion exceeded the targeted amount.

“The province gained success in the project thanks to the joint efforts of local government, residents and sponsors,” Tân said.

Local residents contributed 117,164 workdays and donated more than 1,500sq.m of land to build the bridges.

The province plans to build seven new bridges in Tịnh Biên District, with a total cost of VNĐ11.5 billion ($495,900).

Many bridges are expected to be built in Châu Đốc City in the coming time.

Lê Văn Nưng, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, praised the contributions of organisations, businesses and sponsors that took part in social charity activities in the province, including building new rural bridges.

He called on them to continue supporting the project in the 2020-25 period.

He asked local authorities to have a regular maintenance plan to ensure quality and long-term use of the bridges.

The committee awarded certificates of merit to 148 organisations, businesses and sponsors for their contributions to the implementation of rural bridges in the province in the 2016-20 period. — VNS