The Municipal Department of Construction has been assigned by the Municipal People’s Committee to refurbish a number of parks, gardens and street lighting system to welcome the biggest political event in the region.

Nguyen Xuan Truong, a department official, says that their employees have been working hard to lay down electric cables underground on the Pham Hung-Pham Van Dong route, which links Noi Bai International Airport and the International Convention Centre where regional leaders will gather for the summit. They are also upgrading the lighting system along many major streets including Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Hung Dao, Ba Trieu and Hang Bai.

“We are trying to ensure that basic infrastructure services such as water and electricity supplies, environmental sanitation and water drainage will be provided at the main venue and the hotels where the leaders and officials are staying,” says Mr Truong.

Ba Trieu is just one of the streets included in the project to make the city green, clean and beautiful.

Le Anh Cuong, director of Construction Company No3 that is in charge of part of the project on Ba Trieu street, says that a large number of workers has been deployed to complete the work 15 days ahead of schedule.

“We have 60 workers divided into five groups to paint signs and markers along the street. Each group is responsible for a particular colour, and we hope to complete the work within 45 days instead of 65 as planned,” says Mr Cuong.

The project has received a lot of support from the local administration and people who want to portray the image of a beautiful thousand-year-old capital city in the eyes of foreign guests.

Nguyen Dang Thanh, a resident who lives on Tran Hung Dao street, says he supports the refurbishment because it will not only beautify the city but also show the elegance and hospitality of Hanoians. 

Hanoi previously successfully organised the 5^th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) and the 14^th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), winning high foreign acclaims.

Nguyen Van Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, has confirmed that with its past experiences and current careful preparations, Hanoi will leave a fine impression on ASEAN leaders and officials during the summit.