A Hanoi’s master plan for development until 2030 with a vision for 2050 has been submitted to the National Assembly (NA) for consideration. Subsequently, Hanoi will become more spacious and modern city over the next 20 years. However, historical researchers are greatly concerned that whether it will ensure the preservation of cultural values of the 1000-year-old Thang Long-Hanoi or not.

A Voice of Vietnam reporter interviewed historian Duong Trung Quoc who is the General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences and a NA deputy from the southern province of Dong Nai.

Reporter:  Many people are pinning their hopes on Hanoi’s plan until 2013 with a vision for 2050 which will turn Hanoi into a large and more modern capital city. However, its feasibility study report is still arousing public concern. What is your opinion on this issue?

Mr Quoc: Creating the zoning plan for an expanded Hanoi was the most difficult part while planners are considering a plan to move administrative areas in Hanoi to Ba Vi which has many geographical advantages if creating a reasonable residential area. However, the city centre with Ho Guom (Sword Lake), Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower) and the The Huc bridge remains a good place for the administrative agencies to be located. Therefore, moving these areas to Ba Vi is a thorny problem that need to be thoroughly scrutinised and have public consensus.

Reporter: What do you think about the preservation of the city’s cultural heritages after the zoning plan is approved?

Mr Quoc: When drawing up the plan, architects, archeologists and researchers need to ensure that the development of new construction projects goes together with the preservation of Thang Long-Hanoi’s cultural values. Therefore, more money should be spent on surveying, and planning. This issue should be carefully considered in order to reduce time, save costs and avoid a cultural and architectural conflict.

Reporter: The initial total investment in developing infrastructure in Hanoi until 2030 has already amounted to US$60 billion which is a big amount as the State budget is limited and many other areas need large investments. Do you think the project will be suspended?

Mr Quoc: In my view, this size of plan will affect the lives of millions of people. However, it should be thoroughly prepared in terms of human and financial resources. If these issues are not taken into account, the project becoming suspended is possible.

Reporter: If the zoning plan is approved, a large number of residents will be relocated and a huge amount of productive agricultural land will be used to develop the transport infrastructure and urban areas. What is your opinion about this?

Mr Quoc: We need to have a big land fund if we are to build a capital city of political, economic, cultural and social importance. Meanwhile, the traditional values of the wet rice areas and traditional craft villages should be preserved. Consequently, it is essential to consider which areas need to be kept intact for people to live in and continue with their production and business.

Reporter: Thank you very much.