Government Inspectorate Uncovers Series of Violations at Tràng An Tourism Complex, Ninh Bình

The Government Inspectorate (GVI) has recently announced the inspection conclusions regarding projects facing challenges in Ninh Binh province. Among these, the inspection focused on the infrastructure development project for the Trang An ecological tourism area.

According to the GVI, this large-scale project, comprising multiple sub-projects, began in 2004 when Ninh Binh’s socio-economic conditions were still challenging. Completed project components were immediately put into operation and continue to demonstrate practical effectiveness. The project has significantly enhanced infrastructure, contributing to UNESCO’s recognition of the Trang An Landscape Complex as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, and establishing tourism as a key economic sector in Ninh Binh.

However, the GVI highlighted several shortcomings and violations during the project’s implementation, including overlapping and inconsistent planning approvals. Detailed plans failed to align with the overall master plan, necessitating multiple adjustments that delayed both the main project and related sub-projects. Despite being classified as a Group A project, it was not presented to the People’s Council for discussion or approval, nor was the adjusted basic design submitted to the specialized ministry for review.

The GVI noted that when approving capital increases for project adjustments, the provincial People’s Committee incorrectly assumed full funding from the central budget, without ensuring sufficient capital allocation for project execution.

These issues have led to ongoing challenges in planning, funding, land clearance, and timely project completion, despite multiple extensions.

Regarding the sub-project for infrastructure development at the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, the inspection concluded that it successfully realized local initiatives and Vietnam’s tourism development strategy for 1995–2010. The project facilitated linkages, promotion, and integration, playing a key role in hosting the 2008 United Nations Day of Vesak and the 2010 Millennium Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi. It has delivered tangible benefits to the region.

Nevertheless, the project’s execution revealed deficiencies and violations, such as inconsistent detailed and master planning, non-compliance with planning principles, and land reclamation discrepancies. The project was approved without specialized ministry review of the basic design or environmental impact assessments. Adjustments to investment scope and scale increased land use and costs but lacked proper design re-evaluation and approval.

Funding decisions relied on central budget allocations without clear capital allocation plans, resulting in shortages and project delays. Persistent issues in planning, funding, and land clearance have prevented timely completion, despite multiple extensions.

The GVI also noted that the Trang An ecological tourism infrastructure project, managed by the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism since 2004, faces funding and land clearance challenges. Some components are operational, while others are under construction. With over VND 1.158 trillion allocated to date, the project has exceeded its 2023 deadline. The investor is reviewing components, collaborating with stakeholders to optimize costs, and proposing scale reductions to the Provincial People’s Committee and Party Standing Committee.

Based on the inspection findings, the GVI recommends that the Prime Minister direct Ninh Binh province to hold accountable all involved parties for shortcomings and violations. Any criminal violations detected during implementation should be referred to investigative agencies for legal action.