Revenue is not enough to pay employees

Huong Thuong suspension bridge is 116m long, 4m wide, and has a load capacity of 3.5 tons. It was invested in the form of BOT with a toll collection period of 17 years (2016-2034). Before the Huong Thuong concrete bridge was put into operation, the daily revenue of the suspension bridge was 5-6 million VND. However, currently, the number of vehicles passing through the bridge has decreased sharply, with revenue only about 500-600 thousand VND/day, equivalent to 10% compared to before.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Kieu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thai Nguyen Transport Construction Joint Stock Company II, said that the current revenue is not enough to pay salaries for 5 employees, not to mention the cost of capital, bank loan interest and bridge maintenance. The company has repeatedly proposed to move the suspension bridge to another location or return the project to the province, but so far it has not been resolved.

Huong Thuong suspension bridge is sparsely used by large vehicles but is still the choice of many locals because of its convenience. With a fee of 2,000 VND/trip for motorbikes and 15,000 VND/trip for cars, this is a better choice than having to go around the new concrete bridge.

According to Giao thong Newspaper reporters, at the beginning of Huong Thuong suspension bridge in Tuc Duyen ward, Thai Nguyen city, there is a toll collection point. People riding motorbikes here all prepare 2,000 VND in hand and receive tickets to cross the bridge.

Nguyen Tien A., a student in Huong Thuong commune, said: "Every day I go to school via the suspension bridge. Even though it costs a fee, it is much more convenient."

However, according to records, only 1-2 cars pass the bridge every week, and the number of motorbikes has also decreased significantly, making toll collection difficult.

Investor requests project return

Faced with the difficult situation, Thai Nguyen Transport Construction Joint Stock Company II proposed to return the project to the Thai Nguyen City People's Committee, but the government said that this was a contract signed with the province, and terminating the contract was not within the city's authority.

Mr. Truong Duc Tam, an expert from the Finance and Planning Department of Thai Nguyen City, confirmed that Thai Nguyen Transport Construction Joint Stock Company II had submitted a petition to the provincial and city People's Committees. In which, the company raised two issues and the Thai Nguyen City People's Committee responded in writing to the company.

Mr. Doan Ba ​​Thu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Huong Thuong Commune, also confirmed that people on both sides of the bridge still need to use the suspension bridge, but it is not enough to ensure revenue. The city and province are still considering support options for businesses, but have not made a specific decision.