Building near heritage site in Hanoi queried

In a document sent to the ambassador and permanent delegate of Vietnam to Unesco Paris last Friday, Duong Van Quang, the Unesco Hanoi Office and the National Commission of Vietnam for Unesco director Kishore Rao noted that the construction of the National Assembly House and surrounding wall could be causing irreparable damage to the site, which might pose a potential threat to the authenticity and outstanding value of this heritage property.

It also highlighted issues related to the management of the citadel that might impact its upkeep.

On July 18, the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, Vietnam Cultural Heritage Asso-ciation and Vietnamese Archaeo-logists Association appealed to the PM that ongoing construction of the National Assembly House threatened the world heritage status of the site next door.

“Obviously, this issue is filled with concerns,” said head of the Vietnamese Archaeologists Association, Tong Trung Tin.

“However, I’d like to make it clear that Unesco’s request for an explanation is unlikely to mean that it will be taken off the list of World Heritage Sites next year. To some extent, this wakeup call gives us the chance to resolve the incident and draw extremely important lessons for the conservation of heritage sites.

“I hope that all parties concerned can get together to discuss and put forward solutions, immediate and long term, to protect this heritage site,” added Tin.

“That’s the only thing we can do at the moment. If we address it seriously and scientifically, I’m convinced that Unesco will appreciate our efforts and goodwill, and sympathise with our cause.”

A week later, the Vietnam National Commission for Unesco required parties concerned to make a report to the prime minister and rectify reported wrongdoings as soon as possible. According to the commission, it was likely that Unesco would send over an international delegation to assess the situation and raise the issue at a meeting in July next year.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry on Monday called for the Construction Ministry to request authorities to repair the damage to Zones C and D at the archaeological site.

Vice chairperson of the municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, said on Tuesday the city had worked with the Culture Ministry to press the project’s management board to clear up construction materials around the citadel in the next couple of days.

As the rainy season peaks, drainage at the site must be ready and well prepared, Ngoc said.

“More importantly, uncovered excavation pits must be filled with sand to help preserve any relics inside them. Some pits are roofed so they are not inundated with rainwater. This work will be undertaken by the Institute of Archaeology.”