Part of Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA) Can Tho (VNA) – Can Tho city must pay more attention to disbursement for the World Bank-funded Mekong Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project, which is scheduled to finish in 2017, Hoang Thi Hoa, an expert from the bank, said on January 6.
Pressure is arising as the project almost comes to an end, she stated at a project mid-term review session in the city, adding that Can Tho should not only assign more staff for the project but also provide them with further training at home or even abroad.
The sub-project in Can Tho city, started in 2012, aims to upgrade technical and social infrastructure in low-income Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang, O Mon and Binh Thuy districts.
It has a total investment of 1.8 trillion VND (80.1 million USD), including 1.4 trillion VND from official development assistance (ODA) and 400 billion VND from local responding funds.
Its 62 components focus on improving local residents’ living conditions; upgrading valleys, drainage system, roads and canals; and preventing floods.
So far, the city has disbursed only 34 percent of ODA capital (24 million USD out of 70 million USD) and 75 percent of the local responding funds.
The 400-million-USD Mekong Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project has been implemented in Can Tho, Ca Mau, Cao Lanh, Rach Gia, My Tho and Tra Vinh cities to improve the living conditions of the urban poor.
It expects to benefit about 2 million people, both directly and indirectly.-VNA
