An initiative to build protective roofs for the Dien Bien Phu historical relic in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien was kicked off on March 6.

The project, which aims to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 1954, is sponsored and implemented by the Hanoi Housing Development and Investment Corporation (HANDICO).

To protect the objects from the elements, the roofs will be set up at 12 spots within the relic complex. Roofs will shelter the De Castries bunker and a 155mm cannon that once belonged to the French expeditionary forces, among other objects.

Each tempered-glass roof will be supported by a 3.2m-high steel frame and a concrete foundation.

The HANDICO has invested 8 billion VND (380,000 USD) in the project.

In May 1954, the Viet Minh force led by President Ho Chi Minh defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu stronghold. The Dien Bien Phu victory put an end to French colonialism in Indochina. -VNA