In 2024, Can Tho City has assigned a public investment capital plan of over 10,468 billion VND. As of now, the city has allocated in detail over 8,804 billion VND. As of April 21, 2024, the disbursement result is 1,943 billion VND out of the detailed capital plan, which is 22.1% of the capital plan detailed by the City People's Council and 18.56% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister. This represents an increase of 1.22 times in value and 2.3% in ratio over the same period in 2023.

Despite the increasing disbursement of public investment capital increasing over the same period in 2023, it is still not sustainable. There are still many shortcomings and challenges, and it has not met the set targets. For instance, the amount of advance capital accounts for a high proportion (over 50%) of the total disbursed capital. Additionally, the remaining capital plan that has not yet been allocated in detail is over 1,664 billion VND, with the local budget accounting for 1,441 billion VND and the central government's budget accounting for 223 billion VND.

The spokesperson from Can Tho Municipal Department of Planning and Investment has provided an update on the progress of several investment projects in the area. Out of 21 investors at the city level, 11 have a disbursement rate of over 20%, 6 have a disbursement rate of less than 20%, and 4 have yet to disburse any capital.

There are 7 projects with a capital plan exceeding 100 billion VND. Of those projects, 3 have a disbursement rate of over 20%, with the Chau Doc - Can Tho - Soc Trang expressway project (phase 2) having the highest rate of over 50%. The remaining 3 projects have a disbursement rate of less than 20%, with the newly disbursed Western Ring Road project having a rate of 0.16%.

It is estimated that the disbursement value will reach 2,150 billion VND by April 30, 2024, which is more than 24% of the capital plan assigned by Can Tho City People's Council and more than 20% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister.

Currently, site clearance is the biggest challenge for public investment projects in Can Tho. This is especially true for projects aimed at developing the city and improving urban adaptability, such as the Western Ring Road, Provincial Road 918 (phase 2), Provincial Road 917, and Provincial Road 923.

The increasing prices of raw materials and additional site clearance costs often result in exceeding the total investment level. This, in turn, affects the implementation of investment policy adjustments, causing delays in site clearance, inadequate land allocation to construction units, and a slow pace of project implementation. Furthermore, it may also lead to slow or impossible disbursement according to the plan. These factors can negatively impact the city's medium-term capital balance for the 2021-2025.

The conference on accelerating allocation and disbursement of public investment capital in 2024

Speaking at the conference, Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Tran Viet Truong urged investors to strictly implement key tasks and solutions to speed up the implementation progress and disbursement of the public investment capital plan. He instructed them to assign specific responsibilities among departments, branches, district People's Committees, and investors for formulating, appraising, submitting for approval, and ensuring capital plans for project implementation. Additionally, he emphasized the need to accelerate disbursement progress and avoid capital construction debt; strengthen discipline; rectify and handle irresponsible behavior and delays in performing tasks. Chairman Tran Viet Truong also highlighted the importance of reviewing collective and individual responsibilities that cause delays in the disbursement of public investment capital and the immediate transfer of officials and civil servants when necessary.

Chairman Tran Viet Truong assigned the Director of Can Tho Municipal Department of Planning and Investment to inspect and evaluate the implementation of the State budget public investment plan in 2024, and promptly recommend and propose solutions to promote the disbursement of public investment capital to ensure efficiency and timeliness.

Chairman Tran Viet Truong assigned the Director of Can Tho Municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment to preside and coordinate with relevant departments and People's Committees of districts to continue researching and proposing effective solutions in compensation, support, and resettlement of projects in the city and advise Can Tho City People's Committee to direct the implementation and propose specific solutions to increase resources for units with large workloads and backlogs.

The heads of agencies and units assigned to be investors are currently reviewing and assigning tasks with clear work responsibilities for each officer, civil servant, and public employee. This is being done to develop plans for the implementation and completion of the disbursement of over 95% of the allocated capital plan. There will be an objective evaluation and strict handling of individuals and units that do not complete disbursement tasks by the end of the year. Officials, civil servants, and public employees will be transferred or proposed to be transferred in a timely manner, with appropriate capabilities to meet the needs of advisory work and perform tasks that contribute to achieving set targets.

Agencies and units that are designated as investors are requested to continue reviewing and allocating tasks. They must assign clear tasks and responsibilities to each officer, civil servant, and public employee, and develop specific implementation plans, and complete the disbursement of over 95% of the allocated capital plan.

It is imperative to evaluate the progress of each individual and unit objectively and strictly handle those who fail to complete disbursement tasks by the end of the year. Officials, civil servants, and public employees with appropriate capabilities should be transferred or proposed for transfer in a timely manner to meet the needs of advisory work to perform tasks, contributing to achieving the set targets.

Chairmen of District People's Committees are responsible for coordinating and proposing effective solutions to carry out site clearance and resettlement work. They must support and monitor the units responsible for this task in the area, while proactively communicating with affected people. In case of difficulties or problems, Chairmen of District People's Committees must report promptly to Can Tho City People's Committee for direction and implementation.