Resolute to Complete Projects

There is much to talk about incumbent Transport Minister Dinh La Thang. When he took office, the public was amazed by his “shocking” declaration: "Minister is the commander in chief. Battlefield commander holds the full right to decide everything related to the fight like moving forward or backward. If he waits for permission from the chief in the rear, he will miss the opportunity.” When he went to inspect the construction situation at Da Nang Airport, he decided to fire the head there. And, more recently, there are a series of events related to him known as the "Dinh La Thang phenomenon".

But, Minister Dinh La Thang is very close to traffic construction companies and workers thereof.

 

The story is told by workers at Cienco 4 Company administered by the ministry. On the last day of last Lunar Year when workers at Cienco 4 were still busy with their work, they were astonished at the unannounced visit by the commander of the transport sector.

 

When he came, he rolled up his trouser legs and waded into the work on-site to shake hands, present gifts and greet workers. The site atmosphere turned lively and cosy. Workers were very happy with the gifts on hand and the visit and they had the sense of a New Year reunion.

 

Accompanying the minister, General Director Le Ngoc Hoa of Cienco 4 reported on the construction progress. The Belt Road 3 in Hanoi was a key project of the nation and a component that made the capital city nicer and more modern. With his deep attention to the crucial project, Minister Thang attentively listened to the report and made decisions on the project in his authority in order to maintain the project progress. A powerful commander must hold super-like soldiers. That is the philosophy Minister Dinh La Thang since he assumed office. As he used to be a business executive (President of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group - PetroVietnam), he understands the hardships a company encounters when it precipitately completes the paperwork.

 

One of the first things he did at the Ministry of Transport was to "practice warriors." Then, he banned his subordinates from playing golf. This decision was controversial but he had his own reasons: Beside the fact that the presence of so many golf courses (even international airport projects were turned into golf courses) caused much concern, he - as a minister - wanted his staff to focus their time and wisdom on solving difficulties at the Ministry of Transport.

 

He has started an apparatus for the sake of businesses. All paperwork is reduced and the advance value for construction works is raised from 20 per cent to 30 per cent. This decision had an immediate effect on construction contractors of Belt Road 3 in Hanoi. Perhaps, this is a main driving force for contractors or the very Cienco 4 to make a "Belt Road 3 phenomenon" that has a ripple effect on the entire industry.

 

When the locomotive runs, the entire train will move as a matter of fact. Cienco 4 General Director Le Ngoc Hoa said that “The working atmosphere is much more urgent, the procedure is quickened and enterprises benefit".

 

Despite economic slowdown, the transport sector has implemented a series of key works of national significance in recent years. If Belt Road 3 and overhead road projects in Hanoi are considered to be national scale, such projects as the upgrading and construction of National Road 1A, borderline belt roads, and coastal highways play strategic roles in both economic and defence aspects.

 

Indeed, when he came to office, the transport sector had so many burning issues and projects needed to be done. He promised to improve the country’s transport infrastructure. He also promised to speed up supervision over construction progress which disappoints most people.

 

In November 2011, the public was surprised at his decision on immediate dismissal of the person in charge of Da Nang International Airport because of long delay. Then, a series of contractors were warned. He even threatened to fire his deputies if they failed to do their jobs.

 

But site clearance is decisive to the completion of construction projects. If this work is slow, the entire progress and quality will be directly affected. Seeing this problem, Minister Thang always urges local leaders to speed up site clearance. “Be resolute in what we do,” he says.

 

Recently, the public was shocked again when Minister Thang officially suggested the people and local authorities monitor the quality of projects. He was committed to receiving candid feedback, suggestions, and recommendations from local authorities and the people. He also promised to better perform construction investment management and use resources for transport infrastructure development in the most effective way.

 

It is said that Dinh La Thang likes to give shocks. It is really shocking that he not only is bold in his speech but he is also resolute in his actions. But, looking from another angle, he wants to speak his mind and does it to the end.