Implementing the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1660/QD-TTg dated December 26, 2024 on providing support from the Government’s 2024 contingency budget to several localities affected by Storm Wipha and subsequent floods, the Son La provincial People’s Committee issued Decision No. 182 dated January 22, 2025 on allocating, managing, and using these funds for 14 projects, with a total investment of 250 billion VND (9.5 million USD), focusing on resettlement and disaster recovery.

Departments, agencies, local authorities, investors, and contractors have actively carried out the projects. To date, all 14 projects have basically completed construction workloads. Site clearance has been completed for 13 projects, while one project did not require land acquisition. Total disbursement has so far reached over 236 billion VND, equivalent to more than 94% of the planned capital. These projects have stabilised the lives of 377 households in 13 communes and wards, with essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity and clean water supply facilities, anti-landslide embankments, and drainage systems gradually being completed.

Regarding projects funded by the Government’s 2025 contingency budget, Son La has approved investment policies and issued emergency construction orders for all 15 projects, including five resettlement, three bridge and road repair, and seven school repair projects. So far, site clearance has been completed for two out of eight projects requiring it, while seven do not require site clearance. Construction has commenced on four out of 15 projects. Notably, the emergency resettlement project in Song Ha hamlet, Chieng So commune, has basically completed its main components. Investors are currently finalising investment procedures, accelerating site clearance, and organising construction for eligible projects.

At the meeting, Vice Chairman Tien requested relevant units continue to focus efforts on urgently completing documentation and procedures for remaining projects, while accelerating site clearance, construction progress, and capital disbursement. Investors must enhance responsibility, proactively coordinate with relevant units, ensure project progress and quality, and actively advance funds for site clearance to communes.

For projects using the 2025 contingency budget, he emphasised the need for thorough review to minimise repeated adjustments, speed up contractor selection, and promptly commence eligible projects. At the same time, supervision and inspection must be strengthened to ensure effective use of funds, early completion of works, stabilisation of communities in disaster-prone areas, and promotion of socio-economic development in the province.