The Ministry of Construction has proposed to the prime minister to give more funding to the National History Museum project which will cost a gigantic VND11.3 trillion (USD500 million).

The National History Museum project

According to the Ministry of Construction, the project preparations were started in 2014 and have been mostly completed. But due to the capital shortages, the project has temporarily halted.  

Despite proposals by both the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, capital for the project has not yet been allocated. So the project management unit has been not able to pay their staff or contractors.

Deputy Construction Minister Phan Thi My Linh said that the project had been temporarily suspended to wait for investment before actually starting construction in 2021 as scheduled.

Meanwhile, some experts have voiced concerns over the project, saying is it really necessary given how poorly attended all of Vietnam’s current museums are.

Architect Ngo Doan Duc, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects said that the project should be reconsidered in the context of the country’s high public debts. He suggested upgrading existing museums instead of pouring thousands of billions of VND into a potential white elephant.

The 10-ha National History Museum would be located in Tay Ho District. It is designed to include a main building, memorial area, outdoor display area, green space and other items.

The project is intended to eventually enter operation in 2024.

dtinews