Infrastructure Projects in Ho Chi Minh City Delayed Due to Utility Pole Relocation Challenges

During the process of expanding and upgrading transport infrastructure, several major projects in Ho Chi Minh City are facing significant challenges related to the relocation of utility poles, causing delays and posing various traffic safety risks. Projects such as the expansion of Tan Ky Tan Quy Road, Duong Quang Ham Road, and Ba Hom Bridge have all encountered issues related to the dismantling and delayed underground installation of the power system. These obstacles not only affect construction progress but also create complex traffic management issues and threaten the safety of residents traveling through the construction areas.

The expansion of Tan Ky Tan Quy Road began in March 2023, with a total investment exceeding VND 1,200 billion, and is expected to be completed in October this year, aiming to reduce congestion at the southwestern gateway of Ho Chi Minh City. This road is crucial for connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport and surrounding areas, making its timely completion extremely important for improving transport infrastructure and enhancing residents' quality of life. However, dozens of utility poles have not yet been relocated and remain in the middle of the road, creating dangerous obstacles for commuters. Many residents have reported having to maneuver around these poles, especially at night when visibility is limited, increasing the risk of accidents. This situation not only causes inconvenience but also impacts community safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions or peak traffic hours.

The upgrade project of Duong Quang Ham Road, restarted at the end of 2023, is facing similar issues. Hundreds of utility poles have yet to be removed, lying in the middle of the road while vehicles continue to flow, creating a chaotic situation with a high risk of collisions. The cables are entangled, sometimes hanging low, further increasing the danger for pedestrians. These cables not only obstruct vehicle movement but also pose a threat to children and the elderly in the area. The transport infrastructure in this area needs a heightened focus on safety as it is a major road connecting numerous densely populated residential areas and commercial activities.

One of the primary reasons for the delay in relocating utility poles is the requirement to synchronize the undergrounding of the electrical system with road construction progress. This process requires the installation of sewage pipes and technical pits before the power sector can proceed to lay cables and remove old poles. This requires complex and precise coordination between multiple parties, including construction contractors and infrastructure management units. However, the process is time-consuming and is affected by difficulties in land clearance and other technical issues, leading to project delays. Many residents have refused to change the location of utility poles or substations, resulting in prolonged land handover times, which directly affects the construction plans of both the power sector and construction contractors.

The Ho Chi Minh City government and relevant parties are actively cooperating to address this situation. Ho Chi Minh City's electricity company has committed to accelerating the undergrounding progress and removing utility poles to ensure traffic safety. For the Tan Ky Tan Quy Road and Ba Hom Bridge projects, utility poles are expected to be removed by mid-November this year. Meanwhile, for Duong Quang Ham Road, undergrounding work is expected to be completed by mid-2025 after sufficient equipment is imported from abroad. Part of the delay is attributed to the control equipment and key materials needing to be imported, requiring lengthy tendering and transportation processes. This presents a significant challenge for project management units in ensuring construction progress and controlling project quality.

The delay in relocating utility poles not only affects the overall project schedule but also creates potential traffic accident risks. The presence of utility poles in the middle of the road causes considerable inconvenience and danger to residents. The government and construction units need to enhance coordination, establish warning signs, and hang reflective tape to alert commuters and ensure safety throughout the construction process. Additionally, parties must continuously inspect and clear construction debris and other materials to keep the roads clear, reducing risks for commuters, especially during nighttime or high-traffic periods.

These efforts will help Ho Chi Minh City improve transport infrastructure, reduce congestion, and ensure the safety of residents traveling on roads under upgrade. Improving infrastructure quality not only contributes to enhancing residents' quality of life but is also a critical factor in promoting the city's socio-economic development. Convenient transport infrastructure will facilitate commercial and service activities, attract more investors to the area, and thereby foster economic growth. The government and relevant units need to devise long-term strategies to ensure synchronized and sustainable development of transport infrastructure while enhancing management and supervision efficiency to prevent future delays similar to the current situation.

Furthermore, project implementation requires detailed planning and careful consideration of various technical and social factors, from land clearance to resource and material management. Flexible solutions are needed to minimize the impact of construction on residents' daily lives, especially those living and operating businesses near the construction sites. Only through close cooperation and continuous efforts from all parties can Ho Chi Minh City achieve its goals of improving and enhancing transport infrastructure, moving towards a modern, convenient, and safe city that offers a better living environment for all.