Groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies are two important events for any infrastructure project.
But many projects in Ho Chi Minh City, especially those aiming to improve traffic conditions in the city, abuse the celebrations and hold more than one groundbreaking and inauguration ceremony for a single project.
On April 2, the Ho Chi Minh City Infrastructure Investment Joint Stock Company (CII) organized a launching ceremony for the second phase of a project widening the Hanoi Highway. The first phase was launched early last year with a similar ceremony.
Many residents have asked why the project administrators had to host two “groundbreaking ceremonies” even though the project’s scale was not changed.
It’s understandable that big projects are divided into phases, but it’s unnecessary and wasteful to host many groundbreaking ceremonies for the same project.
The Hanoi highway project is not the only example of this superfluity.
The Thu Thiem bridge project has been divided into three phases and each phase has seen splendid groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies with many VIPs invited and formal procedures. This project was started in 2005 and is now in its third phase.
Likewise, the first phase of the project to expand the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia-Nguyen Van Troi streets was completed with an opening ceremony prior to the Lunar New Year festival. And the second phase, due for completion before April 30th, or the Reunification Day, is expected to be marked with other grandiose inauguration party.
Most inauguration ceremonies for transport infrastructure projects in Ho Chi Minh City are complicated, wasteful and unnecessary.
Authorities concerned should care more about finishing the projects on time and relieving the burden imposed on residents rather than focusing on these ceremonies. Many people in HCMC have been badly affected by delayed projects, which have also been implemented carelessly and irresponsibly.
