Road upgrade project in Vietnam’s Ca Mau incomplete after 6 years

The project covers a total length of 10.9 kilometers, with an investment of VND271 billion (US$10.3 million).

This is a key transportation route connecting the communes of Ninh Quoi, Hong Dan, and Vinh Loc in Ca Mau Province with a high volume of daily traffic.

The project was originally managed by the transport construction investment project management board in the former Bac Lieu Province, which is now part of Ca Mau.

Construction was initially handled by a consortium of Thanh Sen Construction and Consultancy JSC and Minh Phu Construction Cooperative.

However, the contract was terminated in November 2020 when only 40 percent of the work had been completed.

Subsequently, Southern Investment and Construction JSC was selected to take over the project, with a commitment to complete it by March 2023.

Progress remained slow, largely due to unresolved site clearance issues at bridge locations in Ninh Thanh and Kenh Xang Hamlets in Hong Dan Commune.

While the bridge structures are mostly completed, the approach roads have yet to be built, leaving the entire route blocked.

Many areas near the bridges have badly deteriorated and are now hard to navigate. Construction equipment and workers have already been withdrawn from the site, raising concerns about wasted investment.

Nguyen Nhan Duc, chairman of the Hong Dan Commune People's Committee, stated that the project began in late 2019 and is mostly completed, but land clearance issues remain at four bridge sites involving dozens of households.

"The local government has made multiple attempts to persuade the residents, but the issue has not been fully resolved," he said.

“For now, to ease travel, we've asked the contractor to temporarily fill in the worst spots with stone and sand. 

"But during the rainy season, the road quickly deteriorates again. We are doing our best to complete the project this year."

Local resident Le Van Linh expressed his frustration: "The road is in terrible condition. Many sections near the bridge ends are unfinished, making it easy for commuters to fall while riding.”

He voiced his hope that the government finishes this road soon so people can travel more safely.

Vo Van Liem, another resident, added that this road has been under construction for years and it is still not done. During the rainy season, many children and workers fall on their way to school or work.

“I've fallen several times because of potholes and poor visibility," Liem complained.

"The authorities need to resolve this once and for all to ease the burden on the community."

The Ninh Quoi – Ngan Dua road was once seen as a vital project to boost the local socio-economic development. 

But after six years, it remains unfinished, leaving widespread discontent among residents.