JICA plans to allocate $225.57 million for infrastructure development project in Can Tho City

The Can Tho city's People's Committee held a working session with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on February 13 on the Mekong Delta Climate-Resilient Transport Network Development Project (Mekong DPO) in the city.

Phase 1 of the Mekong Delta Transport Network Development Project includes the upgrading and expansion of National Highway 61C through Can Tho and a connecting road linking the city's O Mon District and Thoi Lai District to nearby Kien Giang province's Giong Rieng District (Kien Giang).

The total estimated investment is over VND8.78 trillion ($345.56 million), with JICA’s ODA loan accounting for over VND 5.733 trillion ($225.57 million).

The Can Tho People's Committee has submitted project proposals to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance since 2023, undergoing multiple adjustments, reviews, and updates.

The first phase of the project consists of two components. The first component will focus on upgrading and expanding the National Highway 61C's Can Tho section, which is 10.2 km long,  with an estimated investment of over VND 2.16 trillion ($85 million).

The second component will involve constructing a connecting road from Can Tho's O Mon and Thoi Lai districts to Kien Giang's Giong Rieng district, which is 25.5 km long, with an investment of over VND 6.619 trillion ($260.53 million).

According to the proposed timeline, the project’s investment policy will be developed, submitted, and approved by Q2 2025, followed by a feasibility study report in Q4 2025.

The government is expected to sign framework and specific international agreements on ODA funding by Q2 2026. The compensation, support, and resettlement process will take place from Q1 2026 to Q4 2027, with construction commencing in 2027 and completion expected by 2030.

Mr. Fukuda Chihiro, Deputy Head of the JICA Office in Vietnam in charge of ODA projects, stated that JICA has supported several Mekong Delta localities, including Can Tho, in projects such as the construction of Can Tho Bridge, the upgrading of Can Tho University (including funding and technical assistance), and ongoing projects like the O Mon III Thermal Power Plant at the O Mon Power Center.

JICA is prepared to conduct a preparatory survey for the Mekong DPO project to assist Can Tho in its next steps. However, JICA is still awaiting the Prime Minister’s approval for project adjustment proposal  before conducting the survey.

According to Mr. Fukuda Chihiro, JICA conducted preliminary surveys on these projects in 2022 and 2023. The upcoming survey will update environmental and social information to meet JICA’s criteria.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee, noted that over the past two years, Can Tho, along with Kien Giang and Dong Thap provinces, has submitted six proposals to the central government and held multiple meetings, achieving near completion of procedural requirements.

Once the project proposal is approved by the Prime Minister (expected in Q1 2025), the Can Tho People's Committee will proceed with preparing and submitting the investment policy, project approval, loan agreement negotiations, and project implementation in the 2026-2030 period.

The Can Tho People's Committee hopes that JICA will continue to provide support, particularly in coordinating the appraisal of loan sources under JICA’s authority and facilitating loan agreement negotiations with ministries and agencies to expedite project implementation.