Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of Lam Dong's Department of Construction, made the statement on 1/8 after inspecting the progress of the Mui Ne - Da Lat highway project with specialized agencies.

Sections of National Highway 28B with cleared land but lacking construction activity on 31/7. Photo: Viet Quoc

The 68-kilometer National Highway 28B upgrade, with a total investment of 1,400 billion VND, began in April last year and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. The project aims to alleviate congestion and accidents on the Mui Ne - Da Lat tourist route and boost the socio-economic development of Lam Dong province. However, the Ministry of Construction recently reported project delays due to slow land acquisition. If the deadline isn't met, funding risks being diverted to other priority projects.

According to Tien, Lam Dong has handed over 61.7 kilometers of land, or 91%, for the project. The province has made efforts to clear land for construction, with only 6.3 kilometers remaining in the densely populated Luong Son commune. Therefore, the project's delay is attributed to slow construction progress, not solely the land handover.

Construction on National Highway 28B connecting Phan Thiet and Da Lat. Photo: Viet Quoc

The Department of Construction leader cited an inspection tour yesterday, where several sections of the project with cleared land had minimal construction equipment and activity. Some 1-2 kilometer stretches had only two or three vehicles working on site.

"The investor should prioritize construction in areas with cleared land. This slow pace makes it difficult to meet the deadline," Tien said.

Bui Si Cuong, Executive Director of the National Highway 28B project, explained that some areas require phased construction, preventing the concentration of equipment in one location. However, he acknowledged that the slow progress is also due to contractors not deploying enough equipment and personnel, along with delays in relocating utility poles and water lines.

Route of National Highway 28B. Graphic: Hoang Chuong

According to Cuong, 40% of the work has been completed across the 61.7 kilometers of cleared land. The project management is urging contractors to accelerate construction. "If the local authorities hand over all remaining land in August, we will expedite the project to meet the deadline," Cuong said.

Viet Quoc