On March 30, 2022, in Quang Tri, the Interim workshop - Feasibility study “Urban development, green growth and climate resilience in Dong Ha city, Quang Tri province” project co-funded by AFD and EU through the WARM Facility (Water and Natural Resources Management Facility) was organized by the Initiative for Developing Cities for Asia (CDIA) and BERIM - the consultant of the feasibility study.

Attending the workshop, there were leaders of Dong Ha City People's Committee, departments and agencies of Quang Tri province, representatives of the EU, AFD, CDIA and technical consultants.

The project is co-funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union through the WARM Facility. The goal is to support Dong Ha city to pursue green, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth. Specific activities include overcoming existing infrastructure deficiencies: Building embankments around Hoi Song; embankment of the west bank of Thach Han river and the north bank of Vinh Phuoc river; renovating the drainage system downstream of Trung Chi lake; improving the drainage system downstream of Khe May lake; upgrading infrastructure south of Hieu River; renovate and embellish streets along both sides of the North - South railway section through Dong Ha city; and upgrading and renovating infrastructure systems in low-income areas. In addition, the project will provide technical support and improve the project management and operation capacity for relevant parties. Total expected investment is 1,149.23 billion VND (equivalent to 42.23 million Euro); of which, AFD loan is 33.80 million Euro (equivalent to 919.87 billion VND), non-refundable aid is 1.36 million Euro (equivalent to 37.13 billion VND), counterpart funding is 192.23 billion VND (equivalent to 7.06 million Euro). The capacity building component receives funding from the EU-funded WARM Facility. In addition to improving the city's livability and helping Dong Ha city better withstand climate change, the project also focuses on the social integration of disadvantaged groups such as women, children, and the elders.

According to Mr. Pham Van Dung, Vice Chairman of Dong Ha city People's Committee, the city is located in a geographical location and terrain that is greatly affected by climate change. In recent years, drought, floods, and saltwater intrusion have significantly affected people's lives. Therefore, improving infrastructure and minimizing the impact of climate change is very important, helping the city strengthen its resilience and create conditions for economic development.

Mr. Hervé Conan, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), spoke at the workshop

AFD consultants have modeled these items to show effectiveness in preventing landslides and coping with the negative impacts of climate change. The total length of the embanked riverbank is 11.7 km, estimated to protect more than 23 hectares of riverbank land, clear and expand the flow. The works also contribute to flood prevention and reduce the flooded area by 26% when widespread rain occurs.

The design of all items is aimed at protecting the natural environment, using ecological and semi-ecological embankments to create many entertainment areas for the community and landscape areas with many trees around the river/canal banks, reducing land occupation. Flood storage space is expanded by increasing the capacity of 4 lakes: Luong Ngoc Quyen, Dai An, Nguyen Hue, Khe San. Intervention solutions minimize impacts on the landscape and river biology. Open spaces, communication spaces, riverside entertainment and public spaces are also solutions to increase the quality of life for residents as well as the urban economy.

At the workshop, representative of BERIM - the consultant who conducted the feasibility study - shared research results on the impacts of climate change, resilience and proposed solutions for Dong Ha city, concluding design results of proposed items. Representatives of Dong Ha City People's Committee, departments and agencies of Quang Tri province, representatives of the EU, AFD, Cities for Asia Development Initiative, and experts discussed the  design options and environmental and social impact assessment. According to Mr. Hervé Conan, Director of AFD Vietnam, these opinions and solutions will be synthesized to help the consulting agency and the city complete the design plan for optimal efficiency. 

Overview of workshop

Among the projects receiving funding from the WARM Facility, Dong Ha city is one of the first cities chosen to pilot Decision No. 84 of the Government of Vietnam on creating urban areas related to green growth; transforming the urban economic growth model to green growth. Through survey in Dong Ha city, the flooded water in the city drains to the East and to the low-lying area north of Hieu River. The ability to drain floodwater into the sea is limited because constructions have narrowed many river sections, while the flood storage capacity of inner-city reservoirs is not large. Thus, whether the water source comes from river floods or extreme rain in the inner city area, the city and surrounding areas will be flooded because the speed at which the flood escapes to the sea will not be as fast as the speed at which the flood accumulates.