Around this issue, Thua Thien Hue Weekly conducted an interview with Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Hai Minh.

 Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Hoang Hai Minh

Creating a modern and friendly urban image requires many factors; what is the critical factor, sir?

To achieve the target of becoming a centrally-run city in accordance with the orientation of Resolution 54, the role of planning is of paramount importance. Notably, it is needed to build and create a modern, environmentally friendly, smart urban environment and image alongside ensuring the preservation and promotion of heritage values is the target for which Thua Thien Hue aims.

Currently, the province is simultaneously implementing the planning contents: Planning Thua Thien Hue Province in 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050; Hue City master planning to 2045, with a vision to 2065; Planning for preserving and promoting the value of Hue Monuments Complex to 2030, with a vision to 2050….The finalized planning projects are being submitted to the competent authorities for appraisal and approval.

Accordingly, the re-planning of the system of each urban area and the whole urban area, in general, has been taken into consideration, including the planning of urban infrastructure system, traffic infrastructure, technical infrastructure... in order to re-plan the urban space system in accordance with the orientation and target of general urban planning in the spirit of Resolution 54.

The image and target of the urban space are specified by the solutions for urban transport infrastructure planning, synchronous technical infrastructure system, green infrastructure, energy conversion, etc., manifested by the plans and regulations to ensure the preservation and promotion of the value of the ancient capital heritage and Hue cultural identity.

So, what is the province's orientation on urban infrastructure and transport infrastructure, sir?

At present, there are several orientations for traffic planning development that the province focuses on investment and construction: continuing to invest and upgrade Phu Bai International Airport in air traffic, investing in the system of coastal roads, upgrading and calling for investment in Chan May Port, developing Dien Loc Port and continuing to promote Thuan An Port with the target of becoming a port in the city...; planning and promoting the exploitation of the waterway transport network surrounding the Ngu Ha River area, the waterway transport system along the Perfume River connecting Thuan An area, Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system...

In the face of the current development, how can the urban core area reduce traffic pressure when Thua Thien Hue becomes a centrally-run city?

To this end, it is critical to bring into full play the system of belt traffic routes and formulate a plan for appropriate regulation and channelization in the inner city area, and concurrently, to effectively strengthen and promote public transport system, and green traffic, contributing to solving traffic pressure.

Currently, the bypass system in the west of Hue has partly helped limit the number of large means of transport to the center. The city is also developing a system of Belt 3road  and a bridge over the Perfume River; this project will help to reduce congestion and ensure a traffic system for the urban core area in the southwest of the city.

In the east of the city, roads are being built such as Thuy Duong - Thuan An, Cho Mai - Tan My, a 60m planned road connecting Thuy Van to Phu Da, etc. for smooth traffic, and pulling the city closer to the sea in accordance with the orientation of marine urban development.

In addition, this year, the province strives to start the construction of the extended To Huu route, connecting Hue with Phu Bai Airport, Trung Nu Vuong route, etc., helping to reduce pressure on National Highway 1A from Hue to Phu Bai Airport. The combination of the solutions for enhancing infrastructure embellishment in the urban core of Hue City, Huong Tra Town, Huong Thuy Town, Phu Loc, and Phong Dien districts are also given attention…

Alongside the infrastructure, the urban environment also needs attention. How has the urban environment recently changed, sir?

Over the past 2 years, the urban environmental infrastructure system has received attention and gradually improved. One of the highlights is that the investment is focused on urban lighting systems. Especially for National Highway 1A, lighting reaches 85%, creating a new urban face and reducing traffic accidents.

The province also focuses on upgrading and solving environmental problems in rivers. The projects for upgrading irrigation systems and the water environment will contribute to ensuring the water environment for urban core areas. The province continues to give attention to investment in embellishment work along the two banks of the Perfume River and continues to maintain and promote the  "Green Sunday" movement in more diverse and effective forms.

To create a new look for the urban area, the province continues to pay attention to clean-up and space restoration work in the Thuong Thanh - Eo Bau area. In new urban areas, the flood drainage system is also re-evaluated and implemented with more specific and synchronous solutions derived from the master planning stage.

To have a beautiful and spacious urban image, what solutions are effective in restoring the urban order?

The work of urban order restoration is of great importance; it will create a good perception for residents and tourists.

Over the past time, the city has implemented many solutions and utilities for the city such as a parking system on even and odd days; investing in more parking systems along the two banks of the Perfume River; renovating and embellishing the stadium area; renovating, embellishing and forming Hai Ba Trung pedestrian street...

In the short run, the province continues to work out more specific solutions and regulations in urban embellishment and towards more synchronous management. In the coming period, the continuation of investment in perfecting the synchronous infrastructure system in accordance with the plan will help Hue City improve its traffic infrastructure indicators, meeting the quality criteria of a class I city whose specific factors are taken into account upon becoming a centrally - run city.

Thank you, sir.

By Le Tho