Vietnam has allocated $22.8bn to Mekong Delta expressways over past 4 years

The event was part of his working visit to the delta, focusing on the progress and challenges in implementing expressway projects across the region.

According to a report by the Ministry of Construction, the Mekong Delta is currently witnessing the development of 11 expressway projects with a combined length of 434.7 kilometers.

Land clearance for most projects has been substantially completed, with the remaining obstacles primarily involving the relocation of high-voltage power lines and the finalization of traffic control facilities on segments like Can Tho - Hau Giang and Hau Giang - Ca Mau.

However, challenges remain in sourcing construction materials.

While the total demand for sand is estimated at 54.2 million cubic meters, local authorities have issued permits for 63.31 million cubic meters.

Yet, the actual exploitable capacity still falls short of project timelines.

PM Chinh emphasized that when he and provincial leaders met in May 2021, they were determined to develop an expressway system for the delta.

At that time, there was not even a master plan for expressways in the region.

While planning and construction were carried out simultaneously, as of the start of the year, about 1,200 kilometers of expressways had been developed, he said.

The Ca Mau - Dat Mui and Dat Mui - Hon Khoai expressways, totaling over 100 kilometers, have been added, bringing the total length of expressways in the delta to more than 1,300 kilometers.

Nearly VND600 trillion has been poured into the expressway network in the region.

The government leader noted that expressway development in the Mekong Delta during his term represents the highest level of strategic infrastructure investment of any region in Vietnam.

“This demonstrates the Party and state's attention to the Mekong Delta,” he stated.

He also called on provincial leaders to maximize the efficiency of public investment.