Rethinking implementation of key projects

Dozens of key infrastructure projects are underway in Dong Nai, playing a vital role in developing the city’s infrastructure network and opening up new development areas.

Work is underway on Component Project 1-2 of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 4 project section passing through Dong Nai, which covers compensation, support and resettlement, as well as the construction of collector roads and side roads.

Accelerating construction and bringing these projects into operation as soon as possible is therefore essential to driving socioeconomic development.

Accelerating project implementation

Construction began on Cat Lai Bridge and Long Hung Bridge in late September 2026. The two major infrastructure projects will strengthen connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai City and help support the operation of Long Thanh International Airport.

Earlier in 2026, work also began on several other major projects in the city, including Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 4, the road linking Ma Da Bridge with Ba Hao Intersection, and Routes 769, 773 and 770B, which form part of the road network serving Long Thanh Airport. Contractors began work soon after the groundbreaking ceremonies.

“Projects designated as priorities must not be implemented using business-as-usual procedures and timelines.”

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai City Party Committee (CPC)

Nguyen Linh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai City Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, said contractors were undertaking four construction packages under Component Project 1-2 of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 4 project section passing through Dong Nai. The component includes compensation, support and resettlement, along with the construction of collector roads and side roads. Relevant agencies have handed over about 280 hectares of land for the first phase of the project.

Since construction began in July 2026, contractors have been working on projects to upgrade and expand Routes 769 and 773 and build Route 770B, with dozens of work fronts deployed across the sites.

However, site clearance remains a major bottleneck for key projects. The problem is particularly evident in the three projects to upgrade, expand and build roads serving Long Thanh Airport. The projects were originally scheduled to complete site clearance and land handover in September 2026, but the deadline has been missed.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the CPC and Head of the city's steering team for key projects, said experience from project implementation showed that site clearance remained one of decisive factors affecting the progress of many projects.

Tackling bottlenecks

On October 22, Nguyen Van Ut, Deputy Secretary of the CPC and Chairman of the City People’s Committee, inspected the progress of several key projects and met with relevant agencies to review their progress. The projects included Ma Da Bridge, the road linking Ma Da Bridge with Ba Hao T-junction, and Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 4. Ut said implementation was progressing more slowly than planned. The main bottlenecks included delays in finalizing design documents, site clearance, securing spoil disposal sites, arranging resettlement and adjusting project plans.

Nguyen Van Ut, Chairman of the City People’s Committee, urged relevant agencies to accelerate project implementation and resolve outstanding problems. “Wherever delays occur, work must be accelerated at that stage,” he stressed.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai CPC, said the key projects would help develop the city’s infrastructure network, open up new areas for development, strengthen regional connectivity and maximize the potential of Long Thanh Airport, seaports, industrial parks, urban areas and service facilities. They would also support economic growth, increase budget revenues and attract more investment.

To accelerate implementation, relevant agencies must shift decisively from simply “monitoring progress” to “being accountable for meeting deadlines.” For key projects, time is a resource.

“A one-month delay means more than a project falling behind schedule. It also holds up capital disbursement, delays the productive use of land and infrastructure, holds back investment attraction and undermines the city’s overall growth targets,” Vo Tan Duc emphasized.

By P. Tung – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha