On Tuesday, Da Nang People’s Committee (PC) Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan warmly received the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director in Viet Nam, Mr Eric Sidgwick.

Country Director Eric Sidgwick (left) and Vice Chairman Tuan (Photo: danang.gov.vn).

In the spotlight at the reception was a discussion about conducting a pre-feasibility study for a solid waste treatment project in Da Nang.  With the technical and legal support assistance from ADB, the implementation of the project is expected to last 32 months under public-private partnership (PPP) format. 

Mr Sidgwick said that a group of representatives from ADB will conduct field surveys in Da Nang next month in preparation for the project.  The focus will be on seeking a suitable site for the project, and learning about the volume and chemical characteristics of local solid waste.  ADB will send its completed pre-feasibility study for the project to the municipal PC for consideration by late this year. 

Mr Sidgwick also happily said that a total of 15 technical suppliers have to date registered to participate in the project.  Their technologies are currently being shortlisted by ADB in line with the Vietnamese laws, and eligible suppliers will be introduced to the city authorities for selection very soon.

The ADB guest also highlighted the importance of establishing a working group consisting of representatives from relevant local agencies to ensure effective coordination with ADB during the implementation of the project. 

In reply, Vice Chairman Tuan said that, the Khanh Son Waste Dump in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Khanh Nam Ward will be officially closed down.  Therefore, the deployment of the solid waste treatment project is indeed a must, thereby helping Da Nang ensure more effective waste management, and become an environmentally-friendly in the near future.

In particular, the city leader affirmed his locality’s firm stance in inviting only domestic contractors for the project.  He also vowed that that the city authorities would create the most favourable conditions for ADB to complete its pre-feasibility study as soon as possible.

The host also asked ADB to continue conducting its research activities into solutions to the current devastating coastal erosion problems on some local beach sections.