Bao, head of the city’s Main Project Management Unit (MPMU). Bao said that the reason behind the leakage was a partial subsidence at the joints.

 

In reaction to the situation, Taisei, the project’s principal contractor, has proposed a waterproofing plan which was ratified by the Japanese Bridge and Structural Institute. Taisei said that the tunnel was still structurally sound and that the leaks were a common problem in Japan in underground construction, as well.

 

The MPMU had already gathered opinions to help create the waterproofing plan from the institutes of Construction Science and Technology, and Irrigation Science, according to Bao.

 

A special consultancy group has also been set up to evaluate and assess all the joints after the waterproofing work is finished.

 

The remaining work to be done on the project is being carried out as quickly as possible, and the tunnel is still open to traffic.

 

The construction of the Kim Lien Tunnel began in July 2006 and has cost VND467 billion. The 664-metre tunnel is expected to be completed by October 10.