The Hanoi People's Council has recently approved a budget of VND113 billion (US$4.9 million) for installing a lighting system at its iconic lake of Hoan Kiem.

The Turtle tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem lake in downtown Hanoi glitters at night. Photo: mapio.net

It is among the five public works of Hanoi to be embellished this year, along with the upgrading of road system.

The other four projects include the widening of two national highways and construction of a new road. The final one involves developing resettlement area in Soc Son district for the families living near the Soc Son Waste Treatment Complex, the city's largest, will be moved into.

Last year, the 1,452-meter embankment along Hoan Kiem lake was upgraded with dark green concrete slabs and its walking paths were paved with granite.

Chairman of the City People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said that all projects play an important role in the city’s economic and tourism development, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring local residents’ safety and health.

Ho Van Nga, head of the Economic and Budget Committee under the Hanoi People's Council, stressed the importance of prompt site clearance for the projects to be completed on schedule.