Prime Minister Inspects and Accelerates Key Strategic Infrastructure Projects in Ca Mau

The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the Dat Mui coastal area in Ca Mau Province, which comprises five islands: Hon Khoai, Hon Sao, Hon Go, Hon Doi Moi, and Hon Da Le. Among these, Hon Khoai is the largest. Developing Dat Mui, particularly Hon Khoai Island, holds immense significance for the economic and social development of not only Ca Mau Province and the Mekong Delta region but also the entire nation, while ensuring national defense and security.

In Ca Mau Province, specifically in the Dat Mui area, several strategic infrastructure projects are underway, including the Hon Khoai Island transportation route, the Ca Mau-Cai Nuoc and Cai Nuoc-Dat Mui expressways, and the Hon Khoai multi-purpose port complex. The Hon Khoai Island transportation route spans over 18 km with a total investment of VND 25,774 billion. The Ca Mau-Cai Nuoc and Cai Nuoc-Dat Mui expressways stretch 81 km with a total investment nearing VND 60,000 billion. The Hon Khoai multi-purpose port complex has a total investment of nearly VND 16,000 billion.

The Government has tasked the Ministry of National Defense with implementing these projects under the Construction Law’s provisions for urgent construction works, ensuring timely completion.

Land clearance for these projects is nearly complete, with 1,646 households having relinquished over 700 hectares of land. Construction units, including Corps 12, Corps 11, Total Company 319, and Lung Lo Construction Total Company, have mobilized over 2,000 engineers, workers, and nearly 1,000 pieces of equipment and machinery to accelerate project implementation. As a result, the projects are on schedule, with disbursements exceeding VND 14,000 billion. It is anticipated that by year-end, disbursements will reach VND 15,000 billion, fulfilling 100% of the allocated plan.

During his visit to the construction site of the Hon Khoai Island transportation route, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude to the residents for relinquishing their land and commended the construction teams for their dedication. Despite challenging terrain and weather conditions, workers have been operating in three shifts, four teams, working day and night to expedite project completion, all in the service of national and public interests.

Acknowledging the projects’ complexities, the Prime Minister urged the mobilization of additional resources, advanced construction methods, and simultaneous execution of both maritime and land-based projects. He emphasized the importance of maintaining quality, technical standards, and labor safety, avoiding project fragmentation, and preventing waste, corruption, and negativity.

At a meeting with ministries, agencies, and Ca Mau Province officials at the project’s forward command post, Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the attention and investment directives from Party General Secretary To Lam and state leaders for Dat Mui’s development.

He stressed the importance of adhering to General Secretary To Lam’s directives during his Hon Khoai Island visit on November 19, as well as government resolutions and the Prime Minister’s instructions on socio-economic development and national defense in Ca Mau and Hon Khoai Island.

The Prime Minister praised the Ministry of National Defense for promptly implementing the four projects under urgent construction procedures, with visible progress after just six months. He also commended Ca Mau Province for its record-breaking land clearance efforts and thanked the residents for their cooperation.

Prime Minister Chinh instructed the addition of intersections and rest stops along the transportation routes, particularly the Hon Khoai Island route, to promote tourism development. He urged the Ministry of National Defense to mobilize additional resources from Military Region 9 to accelerate project completion.

The Prime Minister called for continued round-the-clock construction efforts, emphasizing the urgency of these projects. He directed the Ministry of Construction to expedite the Hau Giang-Ca Mau expressway segment for completion by January 31, 2026, enabling the entire expressway network from Cao Bang to Ca Mau and eventually to Dat Mui and Hon Khoai.

Regarding Ca Mau Province’s proposals, the Prime Minister approved measures to combat coastal erosion and encroachment, recommending public-private partnerships for embankment construction and land reclamation. He also supported the development of a transportation link between Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces’ former administrative centers.

On the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation visited the Tho Chu Archipelago in An Giang Province to inspect the combat readiness of the armed forces. He acknowledged the strategic importance of the archipelago and the Party and state’s commitment to national maritime sovereignty.

The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their vigilance, combat readiness, and contributions to local socio-economic development. He emphasized their role in safeguarding national sovereignty and fostering solidarity with the local population.

He urged the armed forces to maintain vigilance, enhance training, and strengthen coordination with other agencies in territorial management. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of fostering strong military-civilian relations and international cooperation with neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Chinh directed the Central Military Commission, Ministry of National Defense, and An Giang Province to effectively implement Party and state policies on national sovereignty and sustainable maritime development. He also emphasized the need to support the well-being of soldiers and their families.

As the Year of the Wood Dragon approaches, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended New Year greetings to the people and military of Tho Chu Island, wishing them prosperity, health, and happiness, and reaffirming the strong bond between the military and the people.