Unqualified contractors must be replaced to ensure WB8 is implemented in due

Deputy Minister of MARD Nguyen Hoang Hiep and World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Steffi Stallmeister attended the meeting.

335 reservoirs have been upgraded

Pham Hung Cuong, speaking on behalf of the World Bank's supervisory board, said that the WB8 initiative produced stimulative effects after four months of operation (from April-end to August-end).

Overall, 335 of 469 reservoirs have been renovated or are in the process of being modified to improve safety aspects. Of those, 145 reservoirs have been upgraded, repaired, and enhanced in terms of safety factors.

Despite the complexity of the Covid-19 pandemic's development, the WB lauded the efforts of MARD, the central management board for irrigation works, the WB8 management board, and local governments in executing the project.

“The WB8 initiative has already disbursed a total of USD 166 million (equivalent to 40 percent of the project capital). Additionally, each subproject was authorized based on feasible research reports. Only three to four reports on the environmental and social effects are awaiting site clearance (due in the middle of October this year),” Hung Cuong informed.

However, the WB identified many flaws and limitations throughout the implementation of the WB8 project, most notably in Dak Lak and Ha Tinh, where the procedures for bidding on the repair and upgrade of 22 reservoirs were slow. Certain building projects have been delayed owing to difficulties with site clearing.

Local-pocket expense is required when the project is not in due 

On this basis, the WB's supervising delegation suggested seven measures to expedite project execution.

To begin, it is critical to guarantee the distribution of capital announcements to communities in early 2022.

Second, MARD and the WB8 management board are asked to publish a document outlining the timeframes for project approval processes and addressing local governments who are unable of adhering to the deadlines by declining to invest in the project.

Thirdly, the MARD and WB8 management boards must collaborate with local governments to prioritize and execute a number of high-priority projects. Simultaneously, finish the bidding process for 122 dams as fast as possible, so that by the end of June 2022, we will have upgraded and repaired 447 dams.

Fourth, one of the necessary concepts is that the contract will be issued only if the ground is clean. Fifth, it is essential to strengthening contract management and administration, particularly in the building and installation sectors.

Sixth, guarantee prompt payment to construction units and service providers, as prompt payment will assist contractors in maintaining progress in the present epidemic scenario and impacted economy. work assiduously.

Seventh, MARD is requested to sign a document that will be distributed to all 34 provinces participating in the WB8 project and will clearly state that if the project does not complete the investment items by June 30, 2022, the locality will be required to spend its own money to complete the project.

Continue rehabilitating 450 reservoirs by 2022

Nguyen Canh Tinh, Director of the WB8 project, said that bidding and awarding contracts for 112 dam repair and upgrade sub-projects would take place by the end of 2021. Concerning the eight major reservoirs that need upgrading to increase flood discharge capacity, Dong Van Tu, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Water Resources, said that bidding has concluded.

Concerning stakeholder accountability, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep highlighted the need of strengthening the management capability of both the Central Management Board of Irrigation Projects; the WB8 Project Management Board; and local governments.

Due to the short duration of the project's execution, it is essential to define the project's duties, rewards, and penalties. It is essential to commit to repairing and upgrading at least 450 lakes, particularly for the Central Management Board of Irrigation projects; if this goal is surpassed, a reward will be provided; if fewer than 450 lakes are repaired and upgraded, a penalty will be imposed.

For local governments, if a project is delayed as a result of incompetent contractor selection, the MARD will work with the local project management board to replace the incompetent contractor while also criticizing the local project management board.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep recommended that the units completely implement the World Bank's suggestions for the WB8 initiative.

He also highlighted that the Directorate of Water Resources and the Project Management Board must thoroughly examine the bidding packages for the installation of equipment for the management, monitoring, and administration of 35 reservoirs.