Can Tho launches Nga Bay Green Urban Development Project

This is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term effectiveness of one of the Mekong Delta's most ambitious climate adaptation initiatives.

Launched in 2023, the project carries a total investment of more than 1.211 trillion VND (approximately 47 million USD). Of that, over 780.5 billion VND (30.6 million USD) comes from loans provided by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), with an additional 40.8 billion VND (around 1.6 million USD) in non-refundable grants and the remainder sourced from counterpart funding. Cumulative capital allocated to date has surpassed 915 billion VND (around 35.9 million USD).

Following a recent administrative restructuring and the adoption of a two-tier local government model, the project's scope now covers the Nga Bay and Dai Thanh wards within Can Tho city.

On June 2, Can Tho Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Hoa met with an AFD delegation to formally launch the project's technical assistance component. Consultants presented a detailed implementation roadmap running through the project's expected completion in 2028, outlining specific action plans, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and channels for resolving implementation challenges as they arise.

The project is organized into four components. Component A targets flood mitigation and erosion prevention, funding approximately 20 kilometers of stormwater drainage pipes, 22 discharge outlets, and roughly 3.1 kilometers of embankments along the Xeo Vong, Cai Con, and Soc Trang canals.

Component B focuses on wastewater infrastructure, encompassing 13 kilometers of sewage pipelines, four pumping stations, and a wastewater treatment plant with a daily capacity of 3,800 cubic meters.

Component C calls for the development of public green space around Xang Thoi Lake, including embankment construction, flow-control culverts, and a recreational landscaped area.

Component D, now being activated, centers on technical assistance and capacity building for relevant agencies, along with procurement of disaster monitoring, early warning, and forecasting equipment and management software.

AFD Vietnam Country Director Julien Seillan outlined several priorities for the technical assistance phase, including community outreach to encourage household connections to the new wastewater collection system, greater involvement of women in public awareness campaigns, and robust support for compensation, resettlement, and post-construction operations and maintenance.

AFD representatives confirmed that all management tools, databases, operating procedures, and technical documentation will be fully handed over and integrated into Can Tho's regular administrative operations before the project concludes.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Hoa underscored the technical assistance component's central role in ensuring that completed infrastructure is operated professionally, efficiently, and sustainably. He directed the city's Civil and Industrial Construction Investment Management Board, the project's implementing agency, to work closely with relevant departments throughout execution and to proactively advise the municipal government on resolving any emerging obstacles to keep the project on schedule and on quality.

Can Tho authorities also indicated the city will designate a provincial-level lead agency to take over and operate the project upon completion, ensuring unified and effective long-term management.

The city further requested that AFD consider allocating a portion of the grant funding to subsidize wastewater connection costs for low-income households and to support women's participation in community outreach efforts.

Can Tho reaffirmed its commitment to making efficient use of all invested capital, working in close partnership with all stakeholders to deliver the project on time and maximize its impact on climate adaptation and the quality of life for local residents.