A view of a meeting on the implementation of BOT projects on April 4. Many firms have complained about the density of tollgates on some roads in Binh Phuoc Province. (Photo: Minh Nghia)
Speaking at a meeting on April 4 between Binh Phuoc authorities and businesses, Vo Quang Thuan, chairman of the Binh Phuoc Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), said he is concerned over the presence of so many BOT tollgates in the province.
Thuan said that these road sections, which are around 60 km long each, have up to three tollgates, meaning that these tollgates are just 20 kilometers apart. Meanwhile, the permissible distance between two nearest toll stations is 70 kilometers.
Many firms have complained about the high density of BOT tollgates on National Highway 13 and, especially on Provincial Road 741, with the section from Phuoc Long Town to HCMC packed with six tollgates.
Although firms shoulder heavy toll fees, the quality of these road sections is poor, Thuan said, adding that they are riddled with potholes.
The yearly VND1 billion spending of Thuan’s firm on BOT tollgate fees has sent transport costs soaring, which has in turn affected goods prices.
He proposed reducing the number of tollgates in the province to improve the competitiveness of firms and drive up the provincial competitiveness index.
However, a representative of the provincial Department of Transport said calculations had been made to ensure the financial feasibility of BOT road projects, and that the provincial government reported to the Binh Phuoc People's Council before each project was carried out.
