The Ministry of Construction (MoC) has announced the findings of Deputy Minister Pham Minh Ha's inspection into the Can Tho - Hau Giang and Hau Giang - Ca Mau component projects, both part of the North-South expressway.

Specifically, the MoC leadership instructed the My Thuan Project Management Board to conduct a review and clarify the responsibilities of all teams and individuals involved in the delayed procurement of intelligent transport system (its) and electronic toll collection (etc) equipment packages. The board must also address the slow implementation of other remaining project components and submit a report to the ministry by 30/4.

The My Thuan Project Management Board is held fully accountable to the Minister of Construction for the project's progress, quality, and traffic safety.

Deputy Minister Pham Minh Ha's inspection on 14/4 revealed that contractors are currently working on access roads, interchanges, connecting routes, and traffic monitoring and operation systems. They are also completing auxiliary components such as drainage ditches, slope reinforcement, the installation of safety systems, and rectifying existing issues along the main route.

Despite repeated reminders from the Ministry of Construction to expedite progress and address uneven sections, the project's implementation remains unsatisfactory and behind schedule.

A view of the Can Tho - Ca Mau expressway section passing through Can Tho. *Huy Phong*

The ministry's leadership identified several contributing factors. Some contractors have not allocated sufficient financial resources, machinery, or equipment. Planning and construction management have been inadequate, failing to adhere to the schedule. Additionally, leading contractors in the consortium, particularly VNCN E&C, have not fully leveraged their roles or clearly identified "critical path" items, which has resulted in delays to key tasks.

The My Thuan Project Management Board was also criticized for its indecisive leadership, slow response in rectifying uneven road sections, failure to complete handover procedures by the 15/4 deadline, and not promptly addressing contractors who were behind schedule.

Furthermore, in some operational sections, residents have constructed structures within the road safety corridor. These encroachments remain unaddressed, posing potential traffic safety risks.

Can Tho - Ca Mau expressway must be operational by 30/4

The Ministry of Construction has instructed contractors to urgently complete all traffic safety systems, concrete shoulders, drainage ditches, cable conduits, lighting, and slope reinforcement. The objective is to finish all main line components by 25/4, ensuring they meet conditions for acceptance, handover, and operation before 30/4.

For the remaining components, the ministry requires a detailed schedule for each package. All access roads must be completed in May, and interchanges are to be finished by 30/6. Connecting routes and IC8, IC9 branches must undergo load testing by 30/5/2026, followed by final construction to enable early operation.

The two component projects, Can Tho - Hau Giang and Hau Giang - Ca Mau, are vital for completing the Mekong Delta expressway axis. They will connect Can Tho City with Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau, helping to alleviate the long-standing transportation infrastructure bottlenecks in the southernmost region.

Anh Duy