The project to renovate the longest canal in Ho Chi Minh City faces many difficulties

TPO - Construction units are ensuring the progress of the Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Rach Nuoc Len canal project. However, during construction, the project is facing numerous difficulties regarding material sources, the re-encroachment of land, and construction crossing many power lines and telecommunication cables.

On the afternoon of February 22nd, at a press conference providing information on socio -economic issues in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Huy Binh, Head of the Planning and Investment Department - Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Construction Project Management Board, provided information on the progress of the Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len Canal Infrastructure Construction and Environmental Improvement Project.

This is a key project addressing multiple objectives (urban renovation, flood control, environmental improvement, and transportation connectivity), which commenced on February 23, 2023. To date, the project is being implemented according to schedule.

The project to renovate the longest canal in Ho Chi Minh City faces many difficulties (image 1).

The Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Rach Nuoc Len canal project is on schedule but faces many difficulties (photo: Duy Anh).

Mr. Binh stated that in 2023, the project was allocated 2,039 billion VND and has disbursed 100%, exceeding the planned construction schedule. Currently, contractors are focusing all resources to accelerate the construction progress of all 10 packages, including key construction items such as canal embankments; roads and bridges; secondary culverts; drainage systems, lighting, and park landscaping. To date, the overall progress of the entire project is estimated at 35%.

However, implementing a large-scale project spanning multiple districts (including 7 districts) in a rapidly developing area with a high population density inevitably presents challenges during execution.

According to Mr. Binh, the current difficulties of the project include: land reclamation work to prevent re-encroachment; construction under high-voltage, medium-voltage, and low-voltage power lines and telecommunication cables; legal issues regarding the receiving site for soil and mud from the construction of project components; and the supply of sand for leveling, concrete, and plastering.

Given the situation, the Urban Infrastructure Management Board is coordinating with relevant units to urgently resolve the difficulties. For matters beyond its authority, the Urban Infrastructure Management Board has reported to higher levels. Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and People's Committee are assigning relevant departments, districts, and wards to coordinate with the investor to resolve the difficulties, ensuring that all obstacles are overcome and the project is completed before April 30, 2025.