HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – The municipal government of Ho Chi Minh City has approved a monumental investment of over 7,300 billion VND (approximately $304 million USD) for a sweeping urban renewal initiative along the northern bank of the Đôi Canal. This ambitious project aims to dramatically transform the landscape, address long-standing environmental issues, and significantly improve the quality of life for residents in the area.
The Đôi Canal, a key waterway in the city's extensive canal network, has for years faced challenges related to pollution and informal settlements crowding its banks. The new project represents one of the city's most significant commitments to date to tackle urban blight and restore its natural waterways.
The comprehensive plan involves several key components:
Resettlement and Infrastructure Development: A major portion of the budget will be allocated to clearing informal housing, providing compensation and resettlement for thousands of affected households. This will be followed by the construction of modern infrastructure, including new embankments to prevent erosion and a wastewater interceptor system to stop raw sewage from being discharged directly into the canal.
Environmental and Landscape Improvement: The core vision of the project is to convert the cleared land into a vibrant public space. Plans include developing parks, green promenades, and recreational areas along the canal. This will not only create a scenic "green lung" for the city but also drastically improve the local environment by reducing pollution and fostering biodiversity.
Enhanced Connectivity: The project will also include the development of a new road system running parallel to the canal, improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity for the entire region, which spans several districts.
City officials have framed this as a cornerstone project in Ho Chi Minh City's broader strategy for sustainable urban development. By revitalizing the Đôi Canal, the city aims to create a model for future urban renewal projects that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and social equity.
The initiative is expected to have a profound, transformative impact, turning a once-neglected area into a clean, green, and modern urban space that will serve as a valuable asset for all residents of Vietnam's largest city.
