Ho Chi Minh City to Relocate 5,800 Households for Canal Redevelopment

Ho Chi Minh City has approved a major infrastructure development project along the southern bank of the Doi Canal (Kênh Đôi), investing approximately VND 49 trillion (USD 2 billion). The project will involve relocating 5,800 households and widening Pham The Hien Street to 30 meters, tripling its current width. The four approved projects, passed by the City People's Council on September 22, primarily target areas along the canal in District 8. Compensation, support, and resettlement costs account for 81% of the total investment, amounting to over VND 39.8 trillion. The initiative is expected to reclaim about 49.2 hectares of land and impact 7,161 households, with the city aiming to provide better living conditions in new residences for those displaced. The projects are divided into four sections along the canal, each with a specific budget and number of households to be relocated. The section between Rach Ong Bridge and Mat Bridge, spanning 1.2 km, requires the relocation of 860 households. The longest section, from Mat Bridge to Hiep An Bridge, stretching 2.1 km, will see the most relocations with 2,042 households. Another section, from Hiep An Bridge to Ba Tang Bridge, covering 2.6 km, involves relocating 1,278 households. The final section, from Ba Tang Bridge to the end of the southern bank of Doi Canal, spanning 2.9 km, requires relocating 1,627 households. Following land clearance, the city plans to construct embankments along the 8.8 km canal bank and widen Pham The Hien Street to 30 meters. The projects also include the construction of Mat, Hiep An, and Ba Tang bridges, as well as new roads like D7 and D8, depending on the specific section. The entire route will feature integrated rainwater and wastewater drainage systems, utility tunnels, and lighting. Green spaces, parks, and sports facilities are planned along the canal. Pham The Hien Street, currently 6-10 meters wide and prone to traffic congestion, is expected to see improved traffic flow after the expansion. City authorities state the projects aim to improve water quality, prevent erosion, enhance drainage capacity, and upgrade the transportation network. The redeveloped canal-side space is also envisioned for water transport and tourism. According to the plan, preparatory work, compensation, and resettlement will occur in the first two years. Land clearance and construction will proceed from 2028 to 2030, with project completion expected between 2031 and 2032, depending on the section. Meanwhile, a separate renovation project is underway on the northern bank of the canal, covering about 4.3 km through Chanh Hung and Phu Dinh wards, with a total investment of over VND 730 billion. Over 1,600 households have been relocated, and embankment and bridge construction is progressing.