Positive Results
According to the report from the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and the National Power Transmission Corporation, with strong direction from the Government, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the participation of various ministries, agencies, and localities, positive results have been achieved in four 500kV transmission line projects from Quang Trach to Pho Noi.
In terms of bidding, the projects consist of a total of 226 packages, including 93 packages for foundation construction and erection of poles, 75 packages for steel pole supply, 36 packages for conductor and optical cable supply, 17 packages for insulation and accessories supply, and 5 packages for equipment supply. Contracts for 225 out of 226 packages have been signed, with the remaining one expected to be completed in March 2024.
In terms of land clearance, localities have completed the handover of 100% of the pole positions and 32% of the anchor points, with 343 out of 503 anchor points still pending handover.
In terms of construction, 1174 out of 1177 locations (around 99.7%) have been deployed, and 184 out of 1177 locations have had their foundations completed. The remaining 3 locations in the Nam Dinh I – Pho Noi project, specifically positions 175 and 176, are currently not under construction due to demands from residents regarding compensation for trees.
EVN has also planned to complete the foundation construction by April 2024, pole erection and stringing by June 30th, ensuring the progress set by the Prime Minister.
Challenges and Obstacles
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan – General Director of EVN, stated that the project currently faces some challenges and obstacles, mainly related to land clearance, forest conversion, and construction machinery.
In terms of construction, there are 240 pile positions along the line. This is a technically demanding and time-consuming task that requires specialized construction machinery such as pile driving robots. The simultaneous mobilization of a large number of these machines for all 240 pile positions within a short period is very difficult. Many localities do not have sufficient capacity to operate these machines, leading to delays in progress. In addition, the pile driving machines have a large load (200 tons per machine), and many pile locations are surrounded by ponds, lakes, canals, and rivers, making access for the machines time-consuming and costly.
Furthermore, many pole positions are located in rugged terrain, posing challenges for road opening, transportation of construction machinery, equipment, and materials.
The second major challenge is land clearance and forest conversion. As a result, various works need to be demolished, relocated, or re-determined due to the project’s impact, involving 691 cases (including 146 cases in Nam Dinh, 79 cases in Thai Binh, 19 cases in Ninh Binh, 30 cases in Hai Duong, 19 cases in Hung Yen, 182 cases in Thanh Hoa, 64 cases in Nghe An, 150 cases in Ha Tinh, and 5 cases in Quang Binh).
EVN Director General Nguyen Anh Tuan reporting at the March meeting on the 500kV line project on March 12, 2024
Early Resolution of Challenges
According to EVN’s leadership, there is still a significant workload and limited time for completion. The company has therefore requested the Prime Minister, the State Steering Committee for important national programs, projects, and sectoral key projects, as well as local authorities, to continue supporting the investor and contractors in resolving some of the challenges.
Specifically, regarding forest conversion, it is proposed that the provincial People’s Committees of Ha Tinh and Nghe An allow the investors to open temporary access roads for immediate construction in order to meet the timeline. The investors will be responsible for afforestation in replacement of the areas used for temporary access roads according to the regulations prescribed in Article 6b, Clause 2, of Decree No. 27/2024/ND-CP.
It is also suggested that the People’s Committees of relevant districts, together with related agencies and departments, promptly resolve any emerging issues related to road opening for construction. In particular, the Thai Binh province should instruct the Hung Ha district to continue coordinating with the Project Steering Committee to address the issue of tree compensation with affected households at pile positions 175 and 176.
The People’s Committees of districts and related agencies are requested to approve compensation plans for pole foundation land by March 2024, enabling investors to complete compensatory work for affected individuals and businesses.
In terms of right-of-way handover, it is requested that the handover be completed before March 30th (Currently, Quang Binh has 9 outstanding anchor points, Ha Tinh has 113, Nghe An has 88, Thanh Hoa has 74, Ninh Binh has 5, Nam Dinh has 24, Thai Binh has 11, Hai Duong has 13, and Hung Yen has 6).
In terms of re-determination procedures, it is recommended that the provinces of Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen direct the People’s Committees of respective districts or the Land Clearance Councils to promptly inspect, verify, and determine the number of households to be relocated before March 15, 2024.
Regarding forest operations for temporary road construction, it is suggested that the People’s Committees of provinces, together with the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and relevant agencies, create conditions for early examination and approval of forest impact reports and temporary road and yard proposals.
