A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, · School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

This research aimed to study the planning process for rural road development in relation to the Master Plan prepared for Dong Anh District in Vietnam and the problems associated with implementation of the plan. The analysis of the planning process revealed that the planners have applied conventional planning methods to prepare the plan. There has not been involvement of beneficiaries in the planning process which means that the exercise has been top-down. Availability of reliable data has been a major limiting factor. Planners had to rely on several sources to obtain data and most of the data has been out of date. Even the topographic map is old. The National Institute for Urban and Rural Planning lacked modem data processing facilities. The road plan did not contain an implementation plan. Lack of detailed project proposals and funds has been the main constraints for implementation of the plan. The implementers relied entirely on government to provide funds and no attempt was made to mobilize local resources to implement the plan. Coordination among various agencies has been a problem. It is recommended that the data base for planning should be improved, beneficiary participation in determining the needs and priorities should be strengthened, computer facilities should be used for data analysis, GIS technique should be used for preparation of the plan, beneficiary involvement in implementation in terms of financing and monitoring should be encouraged, and other organizations such as NGOs should be allowed to participate in planning as well as implementation.