Addressing the launching ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh highlighted the project’s significance for socio-economic development and national defence and security of the Mekong Delta region and particularly Soc Trang and Tra Vinh provinces.
When completed, the bridge will help shorten travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau by 70km, meeting increasing transport demands as well as contributing to promoting the effectiveness of other infrastructure and key economic projects in the region, Minh said.
He asked the Ministry of Transport to work with relevant ministries and agencies to fulfill investment procedures and efficiently carry out the project according to schedule.
He also urged local authorities of Tra Vinh and Soc Trang provinces to communicate, mobilise and support local residents who are affected by the project’s site clearance.
The investors should focus resources on implementing the project safely and effectively to put the bridge into operation as soon as possible to serve travel in the area.
The VND5,726 billion (US$252 million) project comprises of two components. The first component, estimated to cost VND2,754 billion (US$121 million), will see the construction of Dai Ngai 1 Bridge under a build-operate-transfer contract while Dai Ngai 2 Bridge and other roadways for both bridges will be built in the second component, estimated at VND2,972 billion (US$131 million).
Other parts of the projects and site clearance will be funded by the State budget.
The project will commence in the first quarter of 2016 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018.
