>> Unfinished roadwork causing mayhem for Hanoians
In an interview with DTiNews, Nguyen The Thao, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, admitted to a lack of efficiency in recent renovation plans in the city. Mr. Thao also expressed his hopes that there would be some understanding and cooperation coming from the public. According to Thao, renovation work is similar to plastic surgery; in order to look beautiful, one has to go through a long and painful process before the results are visible.
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| Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Mr. Nguyen The Thao |
There have been many complaints about the slow process of the city's renovation projects. What is your opinion on this matter?
If we want a beautiful city with nicer-looking streets, it is important that roads and sidewalks all over the city are repaired and renovated. Of course, the process has its down sides. It's unavoidable that these sidewalks be dug up, occluded and leveled back. However, it is the direct management of the construction teams at those sites that I'm concerned about.
Under city guidelines, the work needs to be finished at one location before it is started at another. In reality, this has not been complied. I assume this is the reason why we're receiving many complaints from the public. To solve the problem, we will have to make some changes in terms of managing and organising our project, but at the same time, if everyone puts in a hand to help, the work could be done much faster.
Many sidewalks were dug up at the same time, making the city look very disorderly and some even commented that the city resembles a huge construction site. What do you think?
The guidelines for roadways and sidewalk renovations were launched simultaneously in wards and districts all over the city. We have to accept this short period, otherwise it could take many years, probably at least 10 years, to completely renovate the city using step-by-step methods.
Have any solutions been considered to solve this problem?
The city recently held a discussion and many ideas were offered. Most agreed that the repairing work needs to be concentrated and completed quickly. Suitable times for the construction work were suggested to be undertaken mainly during the night. During the day it has to be done quickly and efficiently to avoid causing traffic jams.
I added that in order for this project to be completed, cooperation from all sides is needed. It is very much like somebody going in for a plastic surgery. Before you look beautiful, you have to go through a long process and endure all the pain.
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| The mess makes getting around difficult. (Photo: Chau Nhu Quynh) |
Why were these projects not started last year, leaving them rushed to be completed?
The guideline was set, but we had to depend on the resources before we could organise any arrangement. With the underground work, we first had to do experiments, then calculate the necessary resources, only then could we be prepared to start the job.
An issue that many are concerned about right now is, when will the projects be finished?
Renovation is a continuous process however, from now until the city's 1000th anniversary, we will concentrate on main routes according to plans and the completion date will be around August 15 - 30.
The repaint of the Old Quarter did not receive approval from the public. Many suggested that this renovation step is making the Old Quarter lose its charm and ancient look. What is your opinion on this?
We are only doing what is necessary to preserve the Old Quarter, not having it renovated like other areas in Hanoi. It was mostly done by the local people without any guidelines from the upper authorities. Hoan Kiem District authorities have done all they can to stop this from happening as soon as the matter occurs.
The recent renovation of the Hang Dau Water Fountain has also raised many concerns that the repair did nothing but make it lose its original value. Is that true?
Initially, we only intended to remove the power booth near the fountain, but then we found a few areas on the fountain where the mortar was damaged. We decided to replaster it according to reparation and preservation regulations of the Vietnam Architecture Association.
This water fountain is not considered a relic, therefore, it is important that it is repaired in accordance with the whole Old Quarter's regulations.
What do you think about the pavement retiling of Hoan Kiem Lake?
The idea was tested on a small area, but upon receiving many disapprovals, we have cancelled the project. Now we only repair areas that need repairing.
Thank you!
