Ho Chi Minh City: Why is the 19 Thang 5 Canal Still Full of Garbage?

Persistent garbage accumulation in the 19 Thang 5 canal has become a significant issue for Binh Hung Hoa ward in Ho Chi Minh City. Officials attribute the ongoing pollution to the canal's position at the end of a drainage network, which collects waste from upstream areas. Inadequate infrastructure along the canal, particularly on 26 Thang 3 street, further complicates waste collection and environmental cleanup efforts. Compounding these issues is the continued improper disposal of trash by some residents and businesses, exacerbating the pollution.

Pham Thi Ngoc Dieu, vice chairwoman of the Binh Hung Hoa ward People's Committee, explained that the canal flows through several wards, with Binh Hung Hoa situated at the lowest point. This geographical reality means all waste from higher areas converges in their jurisdiction. She highlighted that the transport infrastructure along the canal is not fully developed, hindering effective patrols and enforcement against those who dump waste. The ward has requested the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Technical Infrastructure to complete the road infrastructure on both sides of the canal, not just one, and to increase dredging and regular waste removal, especially at the lower end.

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The 19 Thang 5 canal frequently accumulates garbage because it is located at the end of the source, the infrastructure along the route is not yet synchronized, and the situation of people discarding garbage not according to regulations still occurs.

To tackle the problem, the ward is intensifying public awareness campaigns, urging residents to refrain from dumping waste into canals and to properly dispose of household garbage. Plans are also in motion to install surveillance cameras and utilize existing city security camera networks to identify and penalize individuals caught illegally dumping waste. Enforcement teams will increase patrols to detect and address illegal dumping in canals and public areas.

Regarding industrial wastewater, local authorities have inspected businesses and potential pollution sources along the canal. So far, no businesses or households have been found to be discharging untreated industrial wastewater into the canal. The ward is committed to addressing the pollution and improving the environmental quality of the 19 Thang 5 canal.

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Besides, the environmental protection awareness of a part of the people and businesses along 26 Thang 3 street is still limited. The situation of discarding garbage not in the prescribed place still occurs, causing the amount of garbage to continue to pour into the canal.