Land Clearance Progress and Remaining Challenges
Tay Ninh province has completed 24.55 kilometers of land clearance for the Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai expressway, with 26.33 kilometers total required for the project. The remaining 1.78 kilometers, spanning areas like Phuoc Thanh and Ben Cau, remain unallocated, delaying full site preparation. Local authorities emphasized that the remaining land must be resolved by year’s end to meet the project’s timeline.
The expressway, which overlaps with Ho Chi Minh City’s Vành đai 3 ring road, passes through five districts, affecting 2,267 households and organizations. Compensation costs for the provincial segment alone amount to 1.504 trillion VND, a figure that has sparked concerns about funding gaps. Despite progress, officials acknowledge that the approved budget falls short of local estimates, which demand an additional 2.245 trillion VND.
This discrepancy has forced the province to seek external support, including a proposed 1.806 trillion VND contribution from Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Discrepancy Sparks Collaboration Between Provinces
The 3.749 trillion VND local estimate for compensation and resettlement far exceeds the 1.504 trillion VND approved by the government, creating a critical funding gap. Tay Ninh officials argue that the revised plan accounts for inflation and rising property values, while the central government insists the original allocation remains valid. To address the shortfall, Tay Ninh has initiated discussions with Ho Chi Minh City to adjust the investment framework.
The city has pledged 1.806 trillion VND toward the gap, with the province covering the remaining 1.443 trillion VND. This collaboration aims to avoid project delays and ensure fair compensation for affected residents. The project’s total investment of 19.617 trillion VND underscores its strategic importance, linking Ho Chi Minh City to the Moc Bai border.
However, the funding debate highlights the complexities of balancing regional needs with national financial constraints.
Total Investment and State Funding Breakdown
The 51-kilometer expressway, with 26.3 kilometers in Tay Ninh, requires a total investment of 19.617 trillion VND. State funding accounts for nearly half, with 9.674 trillion VND allocated, including 2.872 trillion VND from the central government and 6.802 trillion VND from Ho Chi Minh City’s budget. Tay Ninh’s portion of the state funding, 2.872 trillion VND, is critical for completing the provincial segment.
Officials stress that without this support, the project’s timeline could be jeopardized, particularly for the remaining 1.78 kilometers. The province’s ability to secure additional funds will determine whether the expressway meets its 2025 completion deadline. As negotiations continue, the project remains a focal point for regional development.
Its success hinges on resolving the funding gap while ensuring equitable compensation for displaced residents, reflecting the broader challenges of large-scale infrastructure in Vietnam.
Conclusion
The Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai expressway’s progress in Tay Ninh highlights both the urgency of infrastructure expansion and the complexities of funding allocation. While land clearance advances, resolving the 2.245 trillion VND shortfall remains critical to keeping the project on track. The collaboration between provinces underscores the delicate balance required to realize such a vital transportation link.
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