A working delegation of the World Bank (WB) spoke highly of the implementation of an urban upgrade project which is underway in the northern province of Nam Dinh, during a working visit to the province from August 17-19.

So far, many bidding packages had been completed ahead of schedule and the total disbursement rate reached nearly 53 percent, ranking first out of four project localities.

Additionally, 20,100 households benefited from an upgrade to water drainage systems and almost 11,300 households received loans for housing renovation and economic activities.

According to the delegation, works were implemented quickly and on schedule.

The delegation also appreciated the loan programme for housing renovation, which was implemented in 20 inner districts of Nam Dinh city with the rate of capital repayment reaching almost 100 percent.

Regarding the financial management system, the delegation said it was carried out in a correct manner, procurement bidding was greatly improved which made important contributions to the local project’s progress, and contractors made great efforts to take measures to protect the environment and abide by labour safety regulations.

Speaking at the working session with the WB delegation on August 19, Doan Hong Phong, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said that authorities of the province pledged to continue efforts to ensure the project’s progress and quality.

He also asked the WB to allow the province to use 6.5 million USD in savings from previous bidding packages to invest in 11 other works in the locality./.