Eliminate the dark channel, open the way to a better life.

Tens of trillions of VND have been invested to revitalize canals and waterways, both beautifying urban areas and helping people escape polluted living conditions.

From the persistent pollution hotspots, the decisive efforts on the Xuyen Tam, Tham Luong - Ben Cat, Kenh Doi, Ba Tieng, and Hy Vong canals are sending a powerful message: eliminating dilapidated houses and restoring the greenery to the waterways is an urgent and undeniable goal that cannot be delayed.

A desire to escape dilapidated living conditions.

Walking around the canal construction sites in April 2026, the intensity of construction was palpable. The focal point was the Xuyen Tam canal project, with its "ultimatum" to hand over the land before June 2026. This high level of determination helped solid embankment sections gradually take shape, a stark contrast to the dilapidated houses awaiting demolition, highlighting the challenging nature of this over 17.2 trillion VND project.

The determination to improve waterway flow is still evident in the Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len canal project. Despite difficulties with sand supply for leveling, construction remains on track to complete the entire route by the end of this year. Simultaneously, the Kenh Doi project is focusing resources on the Hiep An 2 bridge. Most impressively, the Ba Tieng canal has been largely completed with box culverts and asphalt paving, eliminating a major pollution hotspot. Conversely, the Hy Vong canal is still striving to resolve the compensation bottleneck at all costs.

Xuyen Tam Canal viewed from above. Photo: QUOC ANH

If government direction is the engine, then the people's consensus is the fuel for the project to reach its goal. After decades of living with foul-smelling water and tidal surges, the seeds of hope for a better life are sprouting for the residents as the construction progresses. The success story of the Ba Tieng canal proves that when the waterway is cleared and the environment improves, the benefits for the community and the local economy will flourish significantly. People are anticipating the revival of the "riverside" culture, where the waterway network becomes a beautiful scenic axis, creating new impetus for tourism and urban development.

Settling down is the root of everything.

Determination and expectation are crucial prerequisites, but the journey to revive this vast canal system requires sharp, flexible solutions to thoroughly address the current bottlenecks.

To definitively resolve the barrier of sand supply for the Tham Luong - Ben Cat project, the top priority is proactive inter-regional coordination. The city needs to strengthen cooperation with provinces in the Mekong Delta to streamline mining permit procedures. Simultaneously, the use of alternative materials such as sea sand and fly ash must be accelerated.

The key to any urban infrastructure project always lies in land clearance. Therefore, maximum flexibility in compensation policies is needed, and procedures for allocating resettlement housing funds must be expedited. Local authorities at the ward, commune, and special zone levels must be actively involved, closely engaging with and persuading each household. Closely linking the responsibility of the heads of local Party committees and governments to the progress of land clearance is an indispensable measure of their competence.

To ensure sustainability and foster consensus, the decisive factor is post-relocation livelihoods. The government must not only provide safe new housing but also immediately implement policy-based credit support packages and organize systematic vocational training. It must be ensured that no one is left behind throughout the process of the city's transformation. Only then will the polluted canals truly fade into the past, giving way to a civilized, modern, and vibrant urban center with clean, refreshing waters.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/xoa-kenh-den-mo-loi-doi-doi-19626042917234252.htm