On 14/6, the Urban Committee of the Hanoi People's Council issued an appraisal report regarding the approval of the investment policy for the project to invest in and renovate the West Lake area and its scenic lakeside road, utilizing a public-private partnership (PPP) under a build-transfer (BT) contract.

The Urban Committee stated that reviewing and issuing a resolution to approve the project's policy is necessary, as the city People's Council preliminarily approved the investment policy in late January.

However, nearly five months after preliminary approval, the proposed investor has not commenced the project, failing to meet the schedule for urgent projects requiring immediate implementation. The Urban Committee has requested the city People's Committee to direct an review, clarify the responsibilities of relevant departments, agencies, and individuals, and select a capable contractor to ensure the urgent project's timely implementation.

A view of West Lake from above. *Photo: Hoang Phong*

The Urban Committee believes the investor needs to identify factors impacting the ecosystems of West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, historical relics, the lakeside landscape, tourism, services, and residents. They must also select appropriate waste treatment technology and environmental mitigation measures.

West Lake is a water body of significant landscape, traditional spiritual culture, and ecological value for Hanoi's urban area. The Urban Committee of the city People's Council has requested the city People's Committee to clarify the project's impacts on the urban landscape, environment, and lakeside residents. This clarification will serve as a basis for evaluating the project's economic, social, and national defense and security effectiveness, as stated in the appraisal report.

The committee also proposed studying and developing an investment plan that avoids encroachment and maintains the existing lake surface area, lake bed volume, and ponds, thereby preserving the original landscape, ecological, and environmental elements of West Lake.

The agency under the People's Council requested the city to clarify the mechanism for managing, exploiting, operating, and protecting public assets formed after investment. It also requested a clear definition of the responsibilities of state management agencies in managing the works and the West Lake water surface, and ensuring public access rights to West Lake's space.

According to the agenda for the 4th session, the Hanoi People's Council will consider approving resolution groups on 15/6. This proposal is one of 14 items within the urban sector resolution group.

Previously, on 12/6, the Hanoi People's Committee submitted a proposal for the project's investment policy approval. According to the proposal, the project's research scope covers approximately 567 ha, maintaining the current West Lake water surface area of over 520 ha, and a land area of over 46 ha (including other small lakes).

Key project components include renovating and upgrading the West Lake road system. The 13,5 km long lakeside road will be improved, with some sections researched for expansion to 21 m, ensuring it will not encroach upon existing residential areas.

West Lake is Hanoi's largest natural freshwater lake, covering over 526 ha with a circumference of approximately 15 km, formed from an old section of the Red River. Its ecosystem is diverse, featuring 72 species of phytoplankton, 47 species of benthic algae, 37 species of zooplankton, 29 species of benthic animals, 12 species of crustaceans, and 46 fish species.

Vo Hai