Ho Chi Minh City exhibition center to undergo repairs, $2.9 mln in added costs proposed

A VND491-million ($18,800) survey and cost estimation package will be funded by the city budget and awarded through a simplified direct contracting process, according to a statement from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

The project, located in the Thu Thiem area, was halted in 2018 due to a contractor dispute. 

Several components have since deteriorated, prompting the need for technical evaluation and repair planning, officials said.

The city's Department of Construction said the estimated VND76.9 billion in additional costs was based on contractor proposals and lacks formal verification.

It recommended an independent consultant conduct the assessment.

The municipal Department of Finance said the new package complies with regulations and does not raise the project's approved total investment of VND836 billion ($32 million).

Construction of the exhibition center began in 2015. 

As of May, completed work was valued at VND756 billion ($29 million), according to the project's current investor, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Board for Civil and Industrial Construction Projects.