Viet Nam’s government contributed $20.4 million.

The project includes upgrading roads, water supply and drainage, electricity and light systems in low-income areas of Ninh Kieu, Binh Thuy, Cai Rang and O Mon districts.

The funds will also go towards building a 5.5 ha resettlement area in Binh Thuy District with infrastructure including a school, healthcare centre and market.

The project is scheduled to finish by 2017. More than 45,000 people are expected to directly benefit from the project, while 479,000 will enjoy indirect benefits.

The Can Tho project is part of a master upgrading plan for six urban areas in Cuu Long Mekong Delta. The other cities are My Tho City in Tien Giang Province, Ca Mau City in Ca Mau Province, Cao Lanh City in Dong Thap Province, Rach Gia City in Kien Giang Province and Tra Vinh City in the province of the same name. The project aims to reduce poverty by improving living conditions in struggling communities.

As many as 140,000 people in the Delta are expected to directly benefit from the project, 12,000 of whom will receive loans to renovate their houses