VND8-billion underpass made useless by flooding

A new underpass in Thua Thien-Hue Province, which was put into operation in July, is still facing problems with flooding.

Ploughing through water

The 150-metre long stretch of road in Phu Loc District was built to make a path under the railway, and cost around VND8 billion (USD384,615). The funds came out of the district\'s budget and the construction board. Despite the large investment, the underpass is often flooded by water as much as 0.5 to 1 metre high.

Many wade across the water, those who have motorbikes or bicycles often have to carry them. Only very large vehicles are able to get through. A number of people use plastic buckets to float their belongings across.

Nguyen Hao Kiet, a 7th grade student of Lang Co Secondary School, said, “Every day, I have to carry my bicycle through the water. It’s not easy. I wonder when they will fix it."

Mr. Nghia, another resident, said, “We thought that the underpass would make our lives easier, but actually it\'s harder than it was before. The authority should do something about this.”

The underpass leads to a residential area which is home to around 200 families with 500 people.

Tran Van Giang, Chairman of Lang Co Town People’s Committee, said to DTiNews that, “The underpass is flooded both in the dry and rainy seasons. This is mainly due the underground water flow. Also the tunnel is beneath than the surrounding fields, so it is easily submerged by rain.”

He added the best solution is to raise floor and put down a layer of concrete. However this would require considerable funds. “We hope that agencies at the higher levels will help us to deal with the problem,” the official said.