Over 25 years, Rach Gia has successfully implemented many large-scale sea encroachment projects, completely transforming the West coast's landscape. Ongoing projects until 2025 include: 420ha coastal urban area (expansion of the former Rach Gia commune), 68.7ha Phu Cuong - Hoang Gia urban area, 99.9ha Phu Quy urban area, and 99.4ha Tay Bac sea encroachment new urban area.

The sea encroachment areas have expanded space, modernized infrastructure, and developed Rach Gia Ward into a civilized, modern, green-clean-beautiful urban area . Areas like Phu Cuong - Hoang Gia, Phu Quy, and Tay Bac have invested tens of thousands of billions of VND, with modern infrastructure and high-quality services, creating coastal living spaces and boosting trade, services, and real estate growth, transforming Rach Gia Ward's landscape and attracting investment.

The Tay Bac sea encroachment new urban area, led by Kien Giang Investment and Construction Consulting Group, spans 99.8ha with a total investment of 1,344 billion VND. The project provides housing for thousands of households, featuring urban homes, social housing, resettlement homes, commercial areas, public facilities, schools, and parks. With its modern infrastructure and living space, this urban area will become a major hub, enhancing Rach Gia's West coastal urban landscape.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, a resident, shares: “Like many middle- and low-income households, I feel more secure with a stable and decent place to live in the Tay Bac sea encroachment urban area. No more worries about renting or temporary housing. The social housing price is affordable, helping my family achieve the dream of owning a home.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoan Xuan, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Rach Gia Ward, says that since the late 1990s, the province has implemented sea encroachment projects in Rach Gia town (old Kien Giang), one of the pioneering projects in the country. This not only expands land but also paves the way for Rach Gia to become a Class I city under the province by early 2025, contributing to An Giang's urban and economic development.

Notably, the sea encroachment miracle has brought real changes to people's lives, attracting businesses and investors, and creating high-quality shopping, tourism, and entertainment hubs. Rach Gia aims to link with Phu Quoc and Ha Tien to form a "dynamic urban triangle", driving sea economic growth for the province and region.

Rach Gia's natural land area was previously limited by its terrain and canals, hindering urban expansion planning. Sea encroachment has created new space for urban planning, building residential areas, commercial zones, public spaces, and coastal parks. The coastal roads, extended 3/2 road project, and 3/2 bridge have transformed the urban landscape and connected Rach Gia to key economic regions.

Rach Gia Passenger Port, located in the sea encroachment area, has become a key maritime hub, connecting the mainland to popular tourist destinations like Phu Quoc, Nam Du, and Hon Son Structures like the Song Kien Sluice, Kien Nhanh Canal, and Kien Cut Canal prevent saltwater intrusion and address climate change, supporting agriculture and sustainable urban protection.

By 2040, Rach Gia Ward's sea encroachment area is expected to expand to around 3,960ha. The highlight of this phase is developing artificial islands spanning 2,800ha. Strategic islands include: 1,080ha Airport Urban Area, 694ha Commercial-Service-Golf Urban Area, 576ha Tourism Service Urban Area, and 450ha Lac Hong Service Urban Area. Future sea encroachment areas and artificial islands will be key to realizing Rach Gia's goal of becoming a modern, comprehensive economic hub on the West coast of the nation.

Rach Gia Ward is designated as the political-administrative center, comprehensive economic hub, and maritime economic center, serving as a key node in An Giang's 5 dynamic urban areas. The ward's leaders emphasize that to achieve this goal, they propose investing in key connectivity infrastructure, promoting regional links, and mobilizing resources by "using public investment to lead private investment" to implement priority projects connecting regions and inter-regions, creating new development space.

The ward prioritizes investing in essential infrastructure to boost socio-economic development, such as: upgrading Rach Gia Airport, expanding National Highway 80 to connect Long Xuyen and Rach Gia cities, investing in a new expressway connecting Long Xuyen and Rach Gia, upgrading the Lo Te - Rach Soi expressway, and developing a parallel route from Ha Tien to Rach Gia to Bac Lieu.

Meanwhile, Rach Gia Ward focuses on attracting investment in industrial clusters and inviting strong investors to develop sea encroachment projects and artificial islands. This will create services, tourism, and commerce, generating revenue and jobs, while sustainably tapping into the region's maritime potential, driving economic growth for An Giang and the Mekong Delta./.

Author: Le Huy Hai