Vietnam’s Ba Ria - Vung Tau ceases work on 23-story hotel, part of beachside aquarium project
Vietnam’s Ba Ria - Vung Tau ceases work on 23-story hotel, part of beachside aquarium project
The People’s Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam has allowed the developer of a beachside aquarium complex project to continue work on land reclamation and breakwater construction after several years of suspension, but a 23-story hotel, part of the project, was put on hold.
A view of the Front Beach in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam, where a beachside aquarium complex will be built. Photo: Dong Ha / Tuoi Tre |
Le Ngoc Khanh, vice-chairman of the provincial administration, said on Tuesday that Vung Tau Cable Car Tourism JSC (VCCT), the project developer, was allowed to continue its work on the complex.
However, the hotel subcomponent was not approved.
The provincial administration decided to halt work on the Hon Nguu Aquarium project, which was set to be built at the Front Beach, adjacent to Tran Phu Street in Vung Tau City, in October 2019 to review its impact on the surrounding environment.
The project was designed to comprise a three-hectare aquarium, a cable car station, and a 23-story hotel.
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| An unfinished breakwater, part of a beachside aquarium complex in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Dong Ha / Tuoi Tre |
The decision to suspend work on the 6.7-hectare project following objections from locals after the developer started to reclaim a large swath of land from the sea for the development.
These residents voiced concerns over changes to the water flow or erosion caused by the land reclamation and worried that the projected 23-story hotel might block the view of the sea, leading to ruining the cityscape of Vung Tau.
After halting the work and reevaluating the entire project and its impact on surrounding areas and the environment with the support of several experts, the province confirmed that the project would have a minimal impact on water flow and the marine environment.
Therefore, the developer can continue its land reclamation and breakwater construction.
As for the 23-story hotel subproject, the provincial Party Committee directed the provincial People’s Committee to stop it in March 2020, said Khanh.
