How much is the bas-relief at Project 61 Tran Phu worth that Hanoi has to speedily suspend construction?

According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, although it has no economic value, the relief has great historical value. Therefore, at any cost should be preserved.

Regarding the bas-relief at Project No. 61 Tran Phu (Ba Dinh, Hanoi), on April 11, in a quick exchange with reporters, historian Duong Trung Quoc confirmed, although it has no value on economic value, but the relief in the old French building – where the Postal Equipment Joint Stock Company (Postef) is headquartered has great historical value.

Because this relief marks the event on May 19, 1967, when Hanoi’s air defense forces shot down an American RA 5C plane on the sidewalk of Le Truc street. This is also the most stressful time in our country’s resistance war against the US.

Close-up of the bas-relief commemorating the event of May 19, 1967. Photo: Minh Tam

Historian Duong Trung Quoc affirmed: “Although the relief is very rustic, it accurately reflects that era. I think it is a part of the history of the country in general and Hanoi in particular, so even though there are later Changes in the surrounding architecture must still be recorded and preserved at all costs.

According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, because of its historical value, the preservation of vestiges can be in some form to suit the landscape and architecture in the area, in order to evoke generations of the old days. Our country fought and kept the capital during the anti-American era.

Regarding the incident, previously, a representative of the Postal Equipment Joint Stock Company’s leadership said that the company’s predecessor was the Postal Equipment Factory, which contributed to the fire in the historic event on May 19, 1967. was conferred the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces by the State in 2005.

Therefore, the unit has sent a report to the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh district regarding the coordination to protect the relief.

Overview of the work at 61 Tran Phu (Ba Dinh) in the demolition phase. Photo: Pham Hung.

A representative of Post and Telecommunications Equipment Joint Stock Company said that, despite the review, the bas-relief was not on the list of works managed and protected according to the decision of the Hanoi People’s Committee and the resolution of the Hanoi People’s Council. In 2013, however, realizing that the bas-relief had historical value, the unit kept the status quo. If necessary, it will have a reasonable plan to move or protect the relief at the right position when the work is completed and put to use.

Previously, after the press information reflected, the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture proposed the Hanoi People’s Committee assign the Department of Culture and Sports to preside over and organize the review and assessment of the bas-relief value to propose. propose a conservation plan if necessary (coordinating with the investor to place it at an appropriate location within the project area).

Previously, on April 6, following the direction of the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, the Office of the Hanoi People’s Committee issued an express document assigning the Department of Planning and Investment to lead with the Department of Planning and Architecture. The relevant city departments and agencies and the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh District organized the inspection and review of documents, processes and procedures for the implementation of the POSTEF multi-functional construction investment project, at the land area at 61 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh district;

During the inspection and review by the city’s departments and agencies, Hanoi requested the investor, the Post and Telecommunications Equipment Joint Stock Company, to suspend demolition, construction and investment in the project.

At the same time, the Postal Equipment Joint Stock Company must ensure environmental sanitation in the project area.