Polished canals are revived, changing the face of Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC - Over the past 50 years, the HCMC government has made many efforts to revive polluted canals, change the appearance of the city, and bring joy to the people.
A few decades ago, Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal, Hang Bang canal, Tan Hoa - Lo gom, Tham Luong - Ben Cat, Nuoc Den... were a nightmare for Ho Chi Minh City residents about the level of pollution. The canal water is black, the waste is flooded, the stench is everywhere...
Mr. Tran Hoang (residing in Binh Thanh District), who has been attached to Nhieu Loc Canal for more than 40 years, still clearly remembers the time when this canal was likened to a "dash canopy".
Many families with young children have to move elsewhere due to illness and pollution. No one dared to think that one day they could walk along the canal bank, breathing in the fresh air like now," Mr. Hoang shared.
The change began with the urban renovation decisions of the Ho Chi Minh City government. In 2002, the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal renovation project was launched with a total investment of more than VND 8,600 billion.
After 10 years of efforts, the nearly 10 km long canal flowing through central districts such as District 1, 3, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, Phu Nhuan has completely "changed its skin". The clear water, with parks on both sides, walking paths, and safe railings create an ideal living space for tens of thousands of households.
Not only Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, Hang Bang canal - was partially flooded, heavily polluted and there were many hamlets along the canal. After nearly 10 years of renovation with a total capital of more than 2,000 billion VND, Hang Bang canal - a section of more than 1.4 km long from Lo gom road to Van Tuong has been completed. In the coming time, the city will continue to do phase 3 of the project from 2026 and complete in 2028. The goal is to restore the water surface, increase green areas and renovate the entire canal, turning this place into a "green corridor" and "green heart" of District 5 and District 6.
The Tan Hoa - Lo gom canal is more than 7km long, once affecting nearly a million people in the West of Ho Chi Minh City, now the water is no longer black, on both banks are airy roads and green parks.
At Nuoc Den canal (Binh Tan district), after many years of serious pollution, the renovation project was completed in 2022. The canal used to be a nightmare for people because of garbage, thick black water and strong odors, but now it has become a green highlight in the city. The wastewater collection and treatment system has been invested in synchronously, and canal water has returned. On both banks, a solid embankment is built, with walking paths, trees and guardrails, creating a friendly community living space.
Ms. Trinh Thi Hoa (67 years old), living next to the Black Water Canal, shared: Previously, people called it Black Water Canals because of unbearable pollution. Since the renovation was completed, the living environment has improved significantly, my children and grandchildren can now go for a walk every afternoon, everyone is happy."
The Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len canal is also changing strongly. Currently, the project has completed more than 50% of the work volume, and in the upcoming April 30 session, the section from District 12, Go Vap, Tan Binh District will be technically opened to traffic. And will be completed and put into full operation by the end of 2025.
The urban renovation, renovation and revival of polluted canals in recent times by the Ho Chi Minh City government has contributed to changing the appearance of the city to become more and more spacious, while creating a good living environment for people.
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