Quảng Ngãi – Hoài Nhơn Expressway: Over 20 Trillion VND Project Faces Potential Delays

Project Delays Due to Land Acquisition and Local Resistance

Mr. Ngo Truong Nam, CEO of Deo Ca Group (the contractor), stated that the company is striving to complete 50 km of the route by October 30 and fully open the entire route by the end of 2025 (excluding Tunnel No. 3).

However, a significant challenge is the presence of residents setting up camps and monitoring the site day and night to obstruct construction. The most severe situation is at Km41 (Eo Gio Pass area in Nguyen Nghiem Commune, Quang Ngai Province), where security issues have virtually paralyzed the project in recent times.

“The residents’ concerns are legitimate and must be addressed, but within the framework of the law. Failure to resolve this promptly poses a significant risk of delaying the entire project. We urge local authorities to facilitate direct dialogue with the residents,” said Mr. Nam.

According to Project Management Unit 2 (the project owner), land acquisition remains incomplete in five areas: Dinh Cuong Commune, Lan Phong Commune, Nguyen Nghiem Commune, Khanh Cuong Commune, and Duc Pho Ward, with 14 unresolved issues. Some of these issues have persisted for a long time, hindering overall project progress.

“If land acquisition is not completed by October 15, it will be extremely difficult to ensure the project timeline, as the upcoming rainy season will prevent simultaneous asphalt paving, thereby jeopardizing the project’s progress,” said Mr. Le Thang, Director of Project Management Unit 2.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Tran Trung Tin, Deputy Director of Quang Ngai Province’s Department of Construction, urged the project owner and contractor to develop a clear plan and closely coordinate with local authorities in engaging and communicating with residents.

Land Acquisition Issues Must Be Resolved by October 15

Acknowledging that the delays are partly due to insufficient efforts by all parties involved, allowing issues to persist and escalate into local conflicts, Deputy Chairman of Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Ngoc Sam called on the project owner and contractor to collaborate with local authorities in organizing dialogues with each affected household. Clear commitments regarding timelines and resolution plans must be made, combining legal persuasion with public awareness to thoroughly address concerns.

Recently, during a meeting with the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee and relevant agencies to address land acquisition challenges for the Quang Ngai – Hoai Nhon expressway project, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Viet Hung commended the collaborative efforts of the project owner, contractor, and local authorities. However, he also pointed out that many sites remain unhanded over, leading to residents obstructing construction and disrupting material transport, severely impacting the project’s progress and on-site security.

“All parties must focus intensely on resolving land acquisition issues. These must be conclusively addressed by October 15 at the latest to allow the contractor to accelerate work and complete the project by the end of 2025, as directed by the Government and the Prime Minister,” emphasized Mr. Hung.

The Deputy Minister stressed that to ensure resident agreement, compensation assessments and payments must be conducted transparently and according to a clear schedule. Commitments must be made regarding specific dates for assessments and payments, based on legal frameworks and actual capabilities.