Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Trong Dong said that Hanoi will remove existing obstacles to the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Construction Project.

Hanoi government and JICA officials at the meeting on October 31. Photo: The Hanoi Times

At a meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on October 31, Nguyen Trong Dong appreciated JICA's efforts in implementing the project.

He said the WWTP project is a key driver for Hanoi to clean its four major rivers and protect the water environment in the capital's downtown area.

According to Sugano Yuichi, JICA's chief representative in Vietnam, the project currently faces three major challenges, namely a loan agreement worth JPY8.28 billion (US$54 million), which is divided into two disbursement phases and administrative adjustments required for the project. Sugano asked Hanoi to review and approve the second disbursement while handling procedures and handing over the plant to the designated operating unit as planned.

The third issue is the bidding process for selecting the plant's operating unit.

He hoped that this process would begin soon to allow for timely technology transfer, training, and plant start-up.

Sugano was confident that the Hanoi government would facilitate the project's timely operation and improve the quality of life for the people.

Deputy Chairman Dong said that the city government has asked relevant agencies to remove obstacles.

Hanoi intends to start negotiations with JICA for the disbursement of the second loan installment soon to ensure adequate funding for the project and contractors, he said.

Regarding the selection of the operating unit, the deputy chairman said the city has instructed the project management committee and specialized departments to work on the service rates and organize the bidding process in short order.

This step is expected to pave the way for successful technology transfer and efficient plant operation, he added.

In response, Sugano thanked the Hanoi People's Committee for its support in carrying out the procedures related to the WWTP project.

He looked forward to further support from the city government to ensure the smooth implementation and timely completion of the project.

The Japanese official also reiterated JICA's commitment to actively liaise and cooperate with relevant agencies in Hanoi to keep the project on track.