At the question and answer session on the morning of November 7, Delegate Nguyen Thi Minh Trang (Vinh Long) questioned that in the question and answer session at the 4th Session, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang shared that the Ministry of Transport is implementing a pilot study on using sea sand as roadbed material. The delegate asked the Minister to inform about the implementation status so far? Is it feasible to use sea sand to replace river sand to solve the urgent need for river sand materials to supply for North-South expressway projects?
Responding to questions from delegates, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang said that in order to meet the demand for sand for building foundations for transport projects, especially in the Mekong Delta region, in March 2023, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to conduct research and evaluate the pilot use of sea sand as a construction material for transport infrastructure and construction.
After that time, the Ministry established a Working Group to implement the project, including: the Ministry and related ministries, branches, experts, scientists ; resolutely research, organize conferences, seminars and especially pilot the use of sea sand on traffic works in the Mekong Delta region.
“Up to now, the research results through 5 times of monitoring and evaluation show that the quality of sea sand materials currently being piloted in projects meets the requirements for foundation materials as well as technical indicators on load capacity, stability of works using sea sand as roadbed and has similar value to using river sand, currently there are no signs of impact on the environment such as crops or livestock in the surrounding area”, said Minister Nguyen Van Thang.
According to the Minister, at present, at the request of experts, the Ministry of Transport is continuing to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to expand the sea sand test sample in different coastal areas such as Hai Phong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau for more comprehensive research. It is expected that in December 2023, the Ministry-level Evaluation Council will meet and evaluate the final summary of the sea sand project.
On that basis, the Ministry of Transport will coordinate with ministries and branches to develop regulations, standards, and procedures to expand the pilot for a number of highway projects, as well as allow the use of sea sand as filling material.
Minister Nguyen Van Thang affirmed that the exploitation and use of sea sand must still comply with the principle of ensuring exploitation but must be sustainable and not affect the environment.
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