At an earlier meeting to review the operation of the tunnel after nine months, the municipal administration was asked to provide VND45.5 billion ($2.16 million) for maintenance work on the tunnel this year. The department would be responsible for appointing other relevant units and agencies to carry out planned maintenance works.

The city People’s Committee has also approved a pilot project to operate the Thu Thiem Tunnel Toll Station under the Vo Van Kiet Highway construction project.

The transport department said this would help it get more funds needed for the maintenance work.

Maintenance is working to repair damp patches and leaks detected in the tunnel early last month and the work will be completed by September 24, the department said.

The Thu Thiem Tunnel across the Sai Gon River, which opened to traffic last November, is the largest underwater tunnel in Southeast Asia.