Ho Chi Minh City to invest $200 million in Thủ Đức canal upgrade

Ho Chi Minh City authorities are proposing a significant investment of approximately 5.124 trillion Vietnamese dong (about $200 million) to overhaul the Thủ Đức canal. The project, detailed in a submission to the City People's Council, aims to tackle persistent flooding in the Thủ Đức market area and nearby districts.

The plan involves upgrading a 3-kilometer stretch of the Thủ Đức canal, extending to the Sài Gòn River, and a 650-meter section of the Nhà Trà canal. The upgrade includes reinforcing canal banks, dredging to depths between 2.0 and 3.5 meters, and widening the canal to 11-30 meters. New roads will be built along both sides, at least 13 meters wide, with sidewalks and space for lighting and drainage systems.

Green spaces and parking areas are also planned along the canal banks. A key component of the project is significantly increasing the capacity of a pumping station near the Sài Gòn River, from 7,200 cubic meters per hour to 120,000 cubic meters per hour. This upgrade is considered a comprehensive and urgent solution to improve flood resilience and adapt to climate change.

The project is scheduled to be implemented between 2026 and 2031. The initial phase (2026-2027) will focus on preparatory work, including feasibility studies, land acquisition, and resettlement. Construction, including dredging, embankment work, and pump station upgrades, is planned from 2027 to 2030, with completion and handover expected in 2030-2031. The project will affect an estimated 435 cases of land acquisition and resettlement.