In recent days, demolition work has accelerated along Bui Huu Nghia Street in Ho Chi Minh City as authorities prepare land for the construction of a riverside park, marking the start of the long-awaited Xuyen Tam Canal renovation project after more than two decades of delays.
The Xuyen Tam Canal project stretches about 9km, including a 6.6km main canal section running from Nhieu Loc, Thi Nghe Canal to the Vam Thuat River, along with more than 2.2km of branch canals at Cau Son, Binh Loi and Binh Trieu.
The project is considered one of Ho Chi Minh City’s key urban renewal and environmental initiatives, with total investment estimated at more than VND 17.2 trillion (approximately USD 660 million) from the state budget. Construction is scheduled for the 2023-2028 period.
According to the Gia Dinh Ward People’s Committee, the project affects 869 households, including 606 subject to full clearance and 263 partially affected cases.
As of May 13, authorities had received cleared land from 615 households, equivalent to more than 70 per cent of the affected area.
Along Bui Huu Nghia Street alone, 112 homes are being completely demolished to facilitate the project.
For many years, Xuyen Tam Canal has been regarded as one of the most severely polluted waterways in Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities expect the project to address long-standing environmental problems while improving urban landscapes and living conditions for residents along the canal banks.