$2.7mn culture center sits idle as damage appears in north-central Vietnam

The Loc Ha Culture and Communications Center, located in Loc Ha Commune, was built to support cultural, sports, tourism, broadcasting and community media activities.

The three-story complex has a total floor area of more than 5,700 square meters and consists of two main blocks, including an administrative office section and a large auditorium.

Construction began in mid-2021 and was originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.

However, the project encountered delays and received deadline extensions in both 2023 and 2024.

Although major construction work was substantially completed in early 2025, the facility has yet to be put into operation.

A recent site visit by your Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper correspondent found the building largely deserted, with doors locked and no activity taking place inside.

Several sections of the structure have developed moss and weather stains, while columns and walls have been covered with graffiti and unauthorized markings.

Some glass panels have been cracked or broken.

Overgrown grass fills parts of the grounds, and several trees planted around the complex have died or fallen over.

Le Van Han, vice-chairman of the Loc Ha Commune administration, said the project consists of two components: a construction package, which has been completed, and an equipment package, which has not yet been implemented.

Following a nationwide administrative restructuring drive in July last year, management responsibility for the project was transferred to the Ha Tinh civil works and infrastructure construction project management board.

He added that a series of storms late last year damaged certain parts of the building.

In addition, vandalism has become a recurring problem, with people writing on walls and damaging windows.

Although the commune’s administration has not officially taken over the facility, local authorities have installed lighting systems and hired security personnel to help protect the property from further deterioration.

Loc Ha authorities are currently working with relevant agencies to inspect damaged areas and report the findings to provincial authorities. The goal is to develop a repair plan before accepting the final handover and bringing the facility into service, he said.