Latest Updates on the $2 Trillion Project: Adjustments Required to Preserve Century-Old Heritage Villas

The Management Board of Zone 1 Project, Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, recently approved adjustments to the Dong Nai Riverside Road Project (from Hoa An Bridge to the border of the former Vinh Cuu District), now part of Tran Bien Ward. The project boasts a total investment of nearly 2 trillion VND.

Specifically, Clause 4, Article 1 of Decision No. 3533 was amended: The road will span approximately 5.2 km (covering over 17.9 hectares of land). The project begins at Pier A of Hoa An Bridge and ends at the border of the former Vinh Cuu District.

Key components include completing the road foundation and surface, traffic signaling systems, drainage systems, brick-paved sidewalks, greenery, construction of Rach Lung Bridge, and installation of lighting systems with transformer stations for power supply.

Clause 8, Article 1 of Decision No. 3533 was adjusted to reflect the project’s land use area of over 17.9 hectares. Additionally, Point a, Section 11.1.2, Article 1 of Decision No. 3533 was supplemented: For the sidewalk from Km4+447 to Km4+479 (riverbank side), the design at Km4+447 retains the original 5m width, gradually narrowing to 4m midway between Km4+447 and Km4+479, then widening back to 5m at Km4+479.

The sidewalk from Km4+022.44 to Km4+500 (near the Vo Ha Thanh ancient villa) will feature a 5m-wide sidewalk, three parking bays, and flower beds along the road edge. According to the Zone 1 Project Management Board, following the provincial approval, the unit is finalizing and submitting adjusted project designs for approval.

These adjustments aim to reroute the road through the Vo Ha Thanh ancient villa area to preserve this historically and culturally significant architectural landmark. Initially, the original plan proposed clearing 9 meters, equivalent to half the villa’s area, prompting experts and scientists to advocate for its preservation.

After a thorough review, the Department of Construction proposed four solutions, with the provincial government approving the road realignment plan. This ensures both infrastructure development and the conservation of urban architectural heritage.

Constructed between 1922 and 1924, the Vo Ha Thanh ancient villa is one of Dong Nai’s most valuable historical architectural treasures. The two-story structure features a stone foundation, reinforced concrete walls, and a tiled roof, showcasing early 20th-century French architectural style.

Experts highlight that all building materials—tiles, iron, bricks, wooden doors, and railings—were directly imported from France during the colonial era, adding to its unique and rare value.

As one of the few well-preserved private ancient villas, it seamlessly blends European architectural elements with local influences, offering a glimpse into Dong Nai’s historical, economic, and cultural landscape nearly a century ago.