Major cities share experiences, seek solutions to urban problems

Major cities share experiences, seek solutions to urban problems (19-09-2007) A project is underway to reinforce the embankments of the Ben Nghe Canal on the Dong Tay route in HCM City. The route is expected to help ease traffic in the city. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Phan HCM CITY — Ha Noi and HCM City will share experiences in urban management to achieve higher social and economic growth, officials of the country’s two major urban centres have said. During a working meeting with HCM City’s Party Committee on Monday, Pham Quang Nghi, secretary of Ha Noi City’s Party Committee, said the two cities needed to work together on similar planning problems. Le Thanh Hai, secretary of HCM City Party’s Committee, said urgent problems included traffic gridlock, flooding, environmental pollution and clean water supply. Illegal construction as well as land clearance compensation and resettlement for local residents must also be addressed, he said. The city is seeking urban planners, including foreign experts, to map out a master plan for development of the city and zoning of the central city, as well as the Thu Thiem new urban area and local industrial parks, according to Nguyen Huu Tin, Vice Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee. Tin said the city would focus on development of transport infrastructure, including underground projects such as a subway system, optic cables and electricity projects. He said he agreed about stiffer punishment to be imposed on traffic violators as one of the measures to reduce road accidents. HCM…