Satellite urban areas to change City’s face

(09-02-2006)

Phu My Hung urban centre is a model of a modern satellite city in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Van Khanh

HCM CITY — Satellite cities are to change the economic structure, labour force and reduce the population density in downtown HCM City, says Nguyen Van Dua, deputy chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.

At present, the city is preparing for establishment of Thu Thiem urban area, speeding up construction in the Sai Gon South area, approving the development master plan for North West urban area and making plan about a new area in Hiep Phuoc port.

"New urban areas of the like should solve some of the socio-economic problems of a new modern city, including master plans for transport, environment, housing, electricity, drainage and waste treatment," Dua said.

Towards the goal, the city must invite urban planning experts at home and from abroad to provide the best scheme for a new modern city.

Authorities would also heed the opinions of local residents who are affected by the construction, in the project implementation process.

"Increasing both number and quality of State staff to meet demand of development is another urgent task for the city at present," the vice-chairman said.

Right now, one of the most difficult things for local authorities in development is land clearance.

"Current policies are backward and work against speeding up new construction, and fail to consider the needs of local residents. To resolve the situation, policies must benefit the State, investors and local residents," Dua said.

The city is in dire need of new apartments for resettlement, thus the city should speed up the 30,000 municipal apartments programme for development.

"More investors, including private ones, need to be invited into the programmes to take part," he added.

In 2006, the city will approve the master plans for Thu Thiem and Sai Gon South, and a Singaporean consultant has been chosen to lay out the master plan for North West area.

"Important infrastructural component like Thu Thiem Tunnel, Phu My Bridge and the eastern ring road motorway should receive due attention to create good conditions for development of these key new urban areas," Dua said.

Of these four new urban areas, Thu Thiem will have a very important role for development of the city in the future.

Opposite the current downtown via the Sai Gon River, the new area will help the city to develop both sides of the river with more space.

Located in District 2 with a total area of 770ha, Thu Thiem is designed to be the city’s finance and service centre. To date, 50 per cent of the land area has been compensated to be ready for ground clearance.

Covering 2,975ha in District 7 and District 8, the Sai Gon South Urban area has attracted 17 foreign projects with total investment of US$884 million and 79 domestic ones with VND10.9 trillion ($680 million).

Many new bridges, such as Tan Thuan 2, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Kinh Te, Nhi Thien Duong and soon the Nguyen Van Cu Bridge create favourable conditions for transport from the new area [site of the Phu My Hung apartment and villa project] to the downtown core.

The North West area will cover an area of 6,000ha in Hoc Mon and Cu Chi districts, and is to become an industrial centre, increasing the resident density 10 times in comparison with the current 30,000 people.

Hiep Phuoc port urban area will take all 3,600ha at Hiep Phuoc Commune in Nha Be District. Around 300ha is earmarked for industry, with municipal leaders planning to allow farmers to contribute land into construction process. — VNS