Viet Nam: Central Mekong Delta Connectivity TA

Transport - Road transport (non-urban)

This Technical Assistance stems from one fundamental need for the project readiness: preparing the detailed designs for the portion of the Investment Project that ADB and DFAT are considering financing, and ensuring the early availability of social and environmental planning documents for the entire Investment Project's implementation. This is of a particular importance for the ensuing Investment Project because (i) comprehensive project readiness will reduce project start-up delays and expedite implementation of the Investment Project, (ii) responds to the Government's target for construction and commissioning of the Investment Project during 2022-2016, and (iii) reduces Government's loan servicing cost on ADB loan for the Investment Project, and (iv) includes construction supervision and capacity building which are critical for the successful implementation of the Investment Project.

Activities under item (iv) above are usually part of the investment project. The inclusion of construction supervision under the scope of the Technical Assistance is essential for ensuring efficient implementation of a technically complex project, which involves the construction of two large scale cable-stayed bridges. Each bridge will cost around $250 million, and will be significant structures having 350-meter and 450-meter main spans supported by 120-meter high towers, supporting a six-lane roadway more than 50 meters above a major international waterway, the Mekong River. The bridges will be constructed on main foundations that extend 100 meters below and bed level of the river. For bridges of this scale and complexity, the designers' supervision is critical because the structures' technical designs and the method of bridge erection will have to be continually monitored and adjusted as erection loadings change. Without such continuity, from design to supervision, there is a very significant risk of construction delays, litigation and major design and construction errors which may lead to structure failure. This approach has been discussed with the Government, DFAT and internally with transport professionals, and the conclusion is that this continuity of design and supervision is essential for the successful implementation of the Investment Project.

- Detailed designs completed and proof checked

- All civil works contracts have been awarded, the project implementation is on track and expected to be physically completed as scheduled by the end of 2017 by then the project outcome will be fully obtained.

Agreed detailed designs and bidding documents

Updated and agreed safeguards and social action plans

Timely procurement of civil works

Efficient implementation support for the investment project

- Designs are agreed and completed

- Updated procurement plan, safeguards and social action plans are disclosed on ADB website under the ensuing project

- Procurement completed in November 2014

- Implementation of investment project started in September 2013 and expected to be completed as scheduled

Cuu Long CIPM together with the local authorities, will be responsible for monitoring all resettlement-related activities. In addition, Cuu Long CIPM engaged an independent monitor to conduct an independent review and evaluation of resettlement activities on a quarterly basis. Environmental monitoring during construction phase includes documentation of affected people's complaints on the Project's environmental performance and the corresponding plan of action or actions taken to resolve such complaints.

To reduce the risk of poor communication and coordination, a project coordinating committee is set up, which is represented by the financiers, central government and provincial people's committee in project provinces and other stakeholders.