Ho Chi Minh City Opens First Section of Xuyen Tam Canal Revitalization Project

Ho Chi Minh City has opened approximately 1.4 km of road along the Xuyen Tam Canal as part of its revitalization project, marking a significant transformation for an area previously characterized by dilapidated housing and pollution. The newly opened section, located on the left bank of the canal from Luong Ngoc Quyen Street to Vam Thuat River in An Nhon Ward (formerly Go Vap District), is the first segment of the Xuyen Tâm Canal improvement project to be put into use. Previously, the area was densely populated with makeshift homes along the canal, leading to severe environmental pollution. The recent upgrades have introduced a two-lane road and a newly constructed embankment, creating a more open and modern space for the surrounding residential areas. Nguyen Hoang Anh Dung, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Investment and Construction Management Board, stated that this section is part of Package No. 3, one of the main construction and installation packages for the Xuyen Tam Canal project. This package commenced in May 2025, with the embankment and wastewater collection systems now at 90-97% completion. Remaining works include dredging, landscaping, lighting, utility tunnels, and the road on the right bank, expected to be finished by November. The entire package is slated for completion this year. Duong Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the An Nhon Ward People's Committee, noted that Package No. 3 largely passes through the ward, affecting 138 households and organizations. Initial challenges in land clearance were overcome as residents agreed with the objectives of urban beautification and pollution reduction. "The opening of this first section has made travel more convenient for residents and has improved the environment and appearance of the area," Kim said. The Xuyen Tam Canal dredging, environmental improvement, and infrastructure construction project spans over 8.8 km. The main route is nearly 6.7 km long, connecting Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal to Vam Thuat River, with three branches totaling over 2.2 km. The canal bed will be dredged to a depth of about 3.5 meters and a width of 20-30 meters, incorporating a system for collecting wastewater and rainwater. Both sides of the canal will feature two-lane roads, sidewalks, parks, and lighting systems. The project's total investment exceeds VND 17,230 billion, largely funded by the state budget, with a significant portion allocated to land clearance. It is considered one of Ho Chi Minh City's large-scale urban and environmental improvement initiatives. In addition to Package No. 3, Packages No. 1 and 2, passing through the old Binh Thanh District, began construction in December 2025. Contractors are currently focused on driving piles, building embankment walls, and reinforcing the foundation, while also manufacturing precast components and mobilizing equipment to expedite construction. Originally scheduled for completion in 2028, the project is now aiming for an accelerated timeline, with the investor developing plans to finish the entire project by the end of 2027. Source: VnExpress