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Resolving Difficulties and Obstacles in Relocating Rural Electrical Infrastructure

(News Portal – Dong Nai) - In Dong Nai, there are approximately 15 transportation expansion projects that require the relocation of electrical infrastructure. However, the relevant parties have yet to reach an agreement on whether the responsibility and funding for relocating the electrical systems fall on the transportation project investors or the electrical infrastructure owners. 

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Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Vo Van Phi, speaks at the meeting. 

Transportation Projects Clashing with Electrical Infrastructure

Currently, many localities in the province are facing delays in road expansion projects due to electrical infrastructure obstacles. Despite issued guidelines and multiple meetings to resolve the issue, there is still no clear determination of whether the responsibility and funding for relocation belong to the transportation project investors or the electrical infrastructure owners.

Mr. Mai Van Hien, Chairman of the Thong Nhat District People's Committee, mentioned that a road expansion project in the district faces difficulties due to the need to relocate electrical infrastructure. According to Official Document No. 11193/UBND-KTNS dated 24/10/2023 from the Provincial People's Committee, the relocation of electrical systems installed after November 20, 2004, is the responsibility of the electricity sector. However, the electricity sector has repeatedly asserted that the responsibility for relocating the electrical systems for road construction projects lies with the transportation project investors, as they lack the financial capacity to cover the relocation costs. This issue has caused significant challenges in allocating and approving the budget for site clearance and project implementation.

Mr. Hien requested that the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments find solutions to address these obstacles, ensuring the timely relocation of electrical systems within transportation corridors to expedite the ongoing and upcoming road expansion projects.

Sharing a similar concern, Mr. Thai Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, reported that about 15 roads currently undergoing or awaiting expansion are hindered by electrical infrastructure. Notable areas include Thong Nhat, Trang Bom, and Long Thanh districts.

According to the Deputy Director, in 2021 and 2023, the Provincial People's Committee issued documents providing guidance on relocating electrical infrastructure during road upgrades and expansions. These guidelines state that electrical systems installed before November 20, 2004, should be relocated by the transportation project investors, with funding from the state budget, while electrical systems installed after this date are the responsibility of the electrical project investors, who must arrange the funding for relocation.

Following these guidelines, projects where the responsibility for relocation lies with the transportation project investors have progressed smoothly, but projects requiring the electricity sector to handle relocation have faced delays. This has led to setbacks in site clearance, project implementation, and timely completion. 

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Relocating Rural Electrical Infrastructure in Long Khanh City 

Adjustments in Regulations Needed

Mr. Truong Dinh Quoc, Director of Dong Nai Power Company Limited (PC Dong Nai), stated that the company has participated in meetings and submitted reports on the relocation of electrical infrastructure to accommodate new and expanded transportation projects. However, the parties involved have yet to agree on responsibility and funding, which has posed difficulties for the electrical infrastructure management unit. Specifically, the lack of synchronization between electrical relocation and transportation infrastructure upgrades has resulted in electrical safety risks and potential traffic hazards. Additionally, new electrical infrastructure projects aimed at meeting local electricity demands have been delayed.

Mr. Lam Xuan Tuan, Deputy General Director of Southern Power Corporation, emphasized that the electricity sector is committed to complying with the directives of the Provincial People's Committee and will make every effort to collaborate with departments, sectors, and localities to resolve issues related to the relocation of electrical infrastructure within road corridors. However, existing legal documents lack clear regulations on responsibility. Thus, Mr. Tuan proposed that the Provincial People's Committee temporarily allow the inclusion of electrical relocation costs in the total investment of transportation projects, with the state budget advancing funds for the relocation of electrical infrastructure. Once the government and relevant ministries issue clear regulations on responsibility, the parties will follow the legal provisions accordingly. For new or upcoming electrical infrastructure projects, the relocation will be carried out in accordance with the laws in effect at the time of the relocation.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Vo Van Phi, noted that the failure to synchronize electrical infrastructure relocation with road construction poses risks to road users. Therefore, it is essential to resolve these obstacles to ensure safety and aesthetic appeal along the roads.​

The Vice Chairman tasked the Department of Industry and Trade and the Department of Transport with advising the Provincial People's Committee on reporting these obstacles to the Prime Minister and proposing the inclusion of electrical relocation costs into the total investment of transportation projects. Additionally, the two departments were asked to recommend that the Provincial People's Committee report to the Provincial People's Council to seek approval for a resolution on financial mechanisms to support the relocation of electrical infrastructure within road corridors. 

Author: Phan Anh

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