After more than 20 years of operation, Dung Quat Economic Zone has contributed about VND175,000 billion to the central budget, accounting for 80-90% of the total budget revenue of Quang Ngai province. This is an impressive number, affirming Dung Quat's leading role in regional and national economic development.
However, the paradox is that the investment budget for transport infrastructure for this economic zone is very modest, with the central budget allocated to Quang Ngai at less than 1%. Due to the lack of resources to upgrade and expand traffic, many roads in this area are in a state of serious degradation, no longer able to "carry" the sudden increase in traffic volume.
According to the reporter's records, on National Highway 24C, through Tuyet Diem 1 village (Van Tuong commune), a row of trucks carrying crushed wood lined up towards Gemadept Dung Quat International Port. In particular, a road section of about 500m right in front of the port was dug up, the asphalt surface was eroded, leaving a muddy foundation with potholes inundated with water. This situation not only causes inconvenience but also poses a high risk of traffic accidents, directly threatening the safety of people and drivers.
Mr. Nguyen Hoang - a resident of Tuyet Diem 1 village - said indignantly: "For many years, people here have had to live with the situation of trucks carrying rocks, gravel, soda... constantly traveling on National Highway 24C, causing the road surface to be severely damaged, and accidents are lurking. We have reported it many times but have not seen any solutions to completely handle it.
Not only is this road degraded, it has also become a "polluting source" when trucks drop scattered wood, spreading fine dust, causing the air to thicken the dust. "Dust flies into houses and into meals, affecting the health of both the elderly and children. I am very tired..." - Mr. Hoang said.
Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper reporter, Mr. Luong Trong Nguyen - Deputy Head of the Management Board of Dung Quat Economic Zone and Quang Ngai Industrial Parks - said: "Dung Quat Economic Zone has a traffic network of about 50km long, but for more than 20 years, there has been almost no new road investment. Meanwhile, the exploitation capacity at Dung Quat port is about 45 million tons/year, far exceeding the load-bearing capacity of the existing road system".
Mr. Nguyen added that each year the province allocates a part of its budget for maintenance and repair work, but it is only temporary and not enough to meet the needs. National Highway 24C - the main route connecting Dung Quat Port with the Central Highlands - has many narrow sections, poor quality, and frequent traffic accidents due to high traffic volume.
Currently, the capacity to meet transportation needs in Dung Quat Economic Zone is only 60-70%, and may decrease to 50-60% when large projects such as Hoa Phat 2, Dung Quat Oil Refinery expansion or light industrial parks continue to be implemented.
In that situation, the Management Board of Dung Quat Economic Zone has proposed that the Department of Construction request investment capital to upgrade and expand National Highway 24C. According to the public investment plan for the period 2026-2030, Quang Ngai province plans to expand this road section (through the old Binh Thuan commune) to Dung Quat port.
Sharing with Lao Dong Newspaper reporter, Mr. Nguyen Phuc Nhan - Director of the Department of Construction of Quang Ngai province - frankly acknowledged: "The demand for transporting goods and materials in Dung Quat Economic Zone is very large, especially heavy trucks entering and leaving the port. Currently, the Km0+500 section of National Highway 24C is seriously deteriorating. The province has assigned the Traffic Construction Management Board to regularly repair, however, a larger funding source is still needed for a thorough upgrade in the coming period. The Department of Construction has proactively surveyed and advised the Provincial People's Committee to arrange capital to repair this road in 2026".
