Ring Road No.4 sets an example of how cities and provinces can connect to form a region of shared growth and will facilitate stronger development for Hanoi in the future. Dinh Tien Dung, Politburo Member, Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee and Head of Hanoi's National Assembly Delegation, speaks to local media about project implementation.

The groundbreaking ceremony for constructing Ring Road No. 4 on June 25. Photo: The Hanoi Times

What progress has been made in clearing the land for the Ring Road No. 4 Project? What is your opinion on the results achieved?

The Party and the Government made the right decision to build Ring Road No.4 in the Hanoi Capital Region. Over the past year, the city's authorities have been doing their best to implement the project, and we are fortunate to have the strong support of the people.

The National Assembly approved the investment policy for the project in June 2022. Later, the government decreed that at least 70% of the total land area must be cleared by June 30, 2023, and all land clearance must be completed by December 30, 2023. Over the past year, Hanoi and its neighboring Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces have cleared 79.6% of the total project area. Hanoi alone has cleared 84% of the required land area.

Land clearance has been one of the most difficult and sensitive parts of any transportation project, but we have achieved better-than-expected results on this project. In addition to clearing land, the Hanoi authorities approved project components, selected vendors, and completed other project deliverables.

People in Hanoi expect the construction of resettlement areas to be completed soon so they can move in when the project starts. How does the city government view this issue?

This is one of the city's top priorities to settle with the people first, based on the principle that the resettlement must be better than their current dwelling place. In the case of Ring Road No.4, the authorities have chosen the best areas to relocate and live in for the long term because we are not only moving people from one suburban district to another but also from urban to suburban areas.

So far, it is clear from inspections that all the urban and suburban districts have been in strict compliance with the city government's instructions. We have asked the district authorities to speed up and complete resettlement housing construction. This will allow people to have full access to infrastructure. Moreover, the city's authorities assured the Hanoi people would benefit from land policies.

Given the people's enthusiasm and support for the project, what will they get from the Ring Road project?

When completed, the project will be a boost for Hanoi, the Capital Region, and the key economic region of the North. By connecting Hanoi, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen, the project will somehow solve major problems and set a good example for the construction of the capital region.

Machinery gets ready to start building the ring road. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The Ring Road No. 4 will promote the socio-economic development of Hanoi's western and south-western parts, which are now lagging behind the rest of the city. People in these areas earned an average of VND70 million (US$3,000) each last year, half of the city's average of VND141.8 million (US$6,000). Therefore, the ring road will facilitate these areas to reach out and expand their growth, thus ensuring the balance between the city's areas.

In addition, the central districts are now overpopulated and the population density has exceeded Hanoi's development master plan. Once completed, Ring Road No. 4 will help move much of the city's population to suburban districts. In addition, through the new ring road, Hanoi will develop the western side into a new satellite city of science, technology, and education to create a new growth momentum. Schools and training centers will be relocated to the western side.

To prepare for this, we must complete the mass infrastructure construction to attract schools to the western area. The vacated school buildings in the city districts will be used to develop public facilities. As the population density decreases, we can solve other obstacles to urban development, such as traffic congestion, pollution, and urban flooding. In addition, we will have the opportunity to redesign urban areas, preserve and renovate historical and cultural relics, improve services and tourism, and strengthen the cultural industry to ensure the sustainable growth of the capital.

The city government is adjusting the master plan for the city's urban development and developing a proper plan to best use the areas along the No. 4 Ring Road.

What are the solutions to minimize mistakes while implementing the Project?

People in Van Binh Commune, Thuong Tin District, receive compensation for land clearance. Photo: The Hanoi Times

This is also one of the main concerns of the project. As I have said, implementing the project requires the participation of the authorities and Party committees at all levels to win the trust and support of the people. There is nothing like unity among Party committees, administrative authorities, and the people. This spirit will encourage relevant units and individuals to do the right thing and act the right way.

The city authorities have asked the subordinate units to improve the management and supervision of project implementation. I have recently asked the seven districts through which the ring road will pass to conduct self-inspection and prevent possible losses and mistakes. The implementation of the project must also be made public so that the people can exercise their rights and duties of supervision. We will not tolerate any violations, but the most important thing is to prevent mistakes and losses. This is one of the most important tasks of the city government at present.

Thank you!