Hanoi pushes To Lich river cleanup and urban wastewater overhaul

The Management Board of Investment Projects for Technical Infrastructure and Agriculture reported that the project aims to improve the living environment, natural ecosystem, and sanitation conditions in central urban areas of the To Lich River basin, the right bank of the Nhue River, and the Lu River basin by developing a drainage system to collect and treat domestic wastewater, enhancing sustainable development for the capital.

The project encompasses the construction of a wastewater treatment system spanning approximately 4,874 hectares. This includes a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 270,000 cubic metres per day and night, as well as a collection pipe system, bypass pipes, and connection pipes along both banks of To Lich and Lu rivers, located in Ha Dong district and the newly developed urban area. The total pipe network extends approximately 41km, with diameters ranging from 400-2,400mm.

The project was initially launched in 2019 with four main construction packages. From the beginning, the project encountered numerous challenges. However, with close guidance from Hanoi Party Committee, Hanoi People's Committee, and the involvement of various departments and sectors, obstacles and existing issues have been gradually resolved.

To date, Package 1 for constructing the Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 270,000cu.m per day and night, began trial operation on December 1 following the approved environmental permit.

For Package 2, which involves building bypass pipes for the To Lich River and main pipes, completion has reached approximately 98 per cent of the contract. This includes 100 per cent completion of the entire pipeline, with wastewater being directed to the plant since May 29. Currently, ground restoration steps are being implemented, with the entire package expected to be completed in 2024. The project management board is directing the contractor to focus on completing construction in December.

Regarding Package 3 for building bypass pipes for the Lu River, due to the contractor's insufficient capacity, the project management board reported and received city approval to terminate the contract in November 2023. The board has initiated contract termination procedures with the construction contractor and implemented fund recovery procedures as specified. They are currently finalising documents to submit to the prime minister for approval to adjust funding from official development assistance to the city budget to ensure progress.

Package 4, which involves constructing pipe systems for a portion of the Ha Dong area and the new urban area, has had its contract extension appendix signed since November 2023 and resumed on-site construction in February 2024. Currently, approximately 22 per cent of the work has been completed. The project management board is prioritising efforts to urge the construction contractor to accelerate progress, with the aim of completing the project this year.

In terms of disbursement, the project was allocated $44.8 million in 2024. As of now, $21.1 million, equivalent to 47.2 per cent, has been disbursed. Notably, the completed construction volumes are sufficient to ensure full disbursement of the allocated funds for 2024.

The Management Board of Investment Projects for Technical Infrastructure and Agriculture also proposed two recommendations for the city to consider. Specifically, regarding sludge treatment for the project, to ensure long-term stable operation of the plant and overall sludge treatment for the city, they recommended that Hanoi People's Committee direct relevant agencies to immediately implement the drainage waste disposal site project in Chuong Duong commune, Thuong Tin district to be completed before 2030.

Regarding ensuring water flow for the To Lich River, they recommended that Hanoi People's Committee consider directing functional agencies to study options for supplementing Red River water into West Lake and supplementing water from West Lake to the To Lich River through separate, independent pipelines. They also suggested studying water diversion options to the To Lich River through the Lien Mac pump station.

At the progress meeting for the Yen Xa wastewater treatment project and the To Lich River cleaning in early December, Chairman Thanh expressed hope that units would continue to focus and closely implement to ensure the progress of packages 3 and 4.

Chairman Thanh said, "City leadership has decided this is an urgent project to improve Hanoi's environment. The Department of Construction and other sectors need to accelerate progress so that after nine months, by September 2, 2025, the project must be completed under any circumstances or conditions."

Thanh proposed a water supplementation plan using two independent pipelines: one pipeline to supplement water for West Lake when necessary, and another pipeline to regularly supplement water for the To Lich River, running independently, underground through the lake, absolutely without distorting West Lake's ecosystem.

Additionally, they will continue fully to address environmental treatment for the four inner-city rivers: To Lich, Kim Nguu, Lu, and Set.

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