Building Bridges Lessons from Problem-Solving in Viet Nam

Abstract

This study of the Central Mekong Delta Region Connectivity Project in Viet Nam was conducted jointly by the Office of the Special Project Facilitator and the Viet Nam Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project was classified Category A for both involuntary resettlement and environmental safeguards. However, despite its significant impacts, a range of innovative tools and approaches contributed to a complex and multifaceted, project-level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) that was able to effectively handle more than 950 complaints. This joint case study documents successful experiences and best practices, and also analyzes the operation of various enablers before offering important lessons for ADB operations staff and ADB-assisted project partners about how to devise and implement similar GRMs for problem-solving in their future projects.