By Diana Mae Y. Cleto
Can Tho city officials recently held a meeting with representatives from the World Bank and the Swiss government to review the implementation of the Can Tho Urban Development and Resilience Enhancement Project, locally known as Project 3.
With a total investment of around $402 million, the project was financed by more than $220 million in World Bank loans, about $9.6 million in non-refundable aid from the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research and over $130 million in local funds, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency.
Running from 2016 to 2024, the project is designed to shield Can Tho’s urban center from prolonged flooding and foster sustainable, eco-friendly urban development.
Protected over 442,600 Can Tho residents
During the session, Bui Thai Thuong, director of Can Tho’s Official Development Assistance Projects Management Board, reported that the project has upgraded flood prevention systems such as embankments, tidal sluice gates and pumping stations.
It has also enhanced urban transportation infrastructure.
Local authorities highlighted that the project has safeguarded over 442,600 residents from flooding.
Can Tho People’s Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Thuc Hien shared that the project has received strong support from residents, especially those residing in flood-prone areas, as it has allowed them to confidently start business and livelihood activities.
World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Mariam Sherman encouraged Can Tho to maintain the project’s sustainable operations to boost socioeconomic growth and share its success with other Vietnamese localities.
Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass also praised the project, highlighting its role in advancing infrastructure, improving flood management and steering the city toward a smart, climate-resilient future.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fijian student acknowledges parents for international leadership award
Strong cooperation between Vietnam and the World Bank
The Southeast Asian country has strong cooperative ties with the World Bank.
Last month, National Assembly Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan met with Sherman to urge the international financial institution to expedite their strategic cooperation framework, particularly in agriculture.
In November 2023, the Vietnamese government launched a project to cultivate one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice by 2030, aiming to enhance the value of the rice industry, boost production efficiency, improve the income of farmers, slash greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
READ NEXT: Singapore strives to become more accessible
Jheruleene Anne Ramos 
Newsjustnews writers