A few decades ago, Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal, Hang Bang canal, Tan Hoa - Lo Gom, Tham Luong - Ben Cat, Black Water ... used to be an obsession of the people of Ho Chi Minh City about the level of pollution. Black canal water, flooded waste, stinking smell surrounding the residential area ...
Mr. Tran Hoang (residing in Binh Thanh District), who has been attached to Nhieu Loc Canal for more than 40 years, still clearly remembers the time when this canal was likened to a "dash canopy".
"Many families with young children have to move away because of their illness and pollution. No one dares to think that one day can walk along the canal, breathing fresh air as now," Mr. Hoang shared.
The change starts from the urban embellishment decisions of the Ho Chi Minh City government. In 2002, Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Channel renovation project was started with a total investment of more than VND 8,600 billion.
After 10 years of effort, the canal is nearly 10 km long through central districts such as District 1, 3, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh and Phu Nhuan, completely "changing skin". The blue water, the two sides are parks, walking roads, and safe railings create an ideal living space for tens of thousands of households.
Not only Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, Hang Bang canal - have been partially filled, severe pollution and many slums along the canal. After nearly 10 years of renovation with a total capital of more than VND 2,000 billion, Hang Bang canal - a section longer than 1.4 km from Lo Gom street to Van Tuong has been completed. In the coming time, the city will continue to do the third phase of the project since 2026 and complete in 2028. The goal is to restore the water surface, strengthen the green area and renovate the entire canal, turn this place into a "green corridor" and "green heart" of District 5 and District 6.
The Tan Hoa - Lo Gom canal route is over 7km long, which has affected nearly one million people in the west of Ho Chi Minh City, now the country is no longer black, the two sides are clear roads, green parks.
At the Black Water Canal (Binh Tan District), after many years of serious pollution, the renovation project was completed in 2022. The canal used to be an obsession for people because of waste, dense black water and strong odor, now it has become a blue highlight in the city. The system of collection and treatment of wastewater is invested synchronously, the canal water in the back. The two sides of the bank are built firmly, with walking roads, trees and protective railing, creating a friendly community living space.
Trinh Thi Hoa (67 years old), living next to the black water canal, shared: "Previously people called the‘ black water channel ’because the pollution could not stand it. Since the improvement, the living environment has improved markedly, my descendants can now go to the afternoon, everyone is happy.”
Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Rach water canal is also moving strongly. Currently, the project has completed more than 50% of the work volume, and in the upcoming 30.4 will clear technical traffic from District 12, Go Vap, Tan Binh District. And will be completed and put into operation at the end of 2025.
The Ho Chi Minh City government's adjustment of urban, renovating and reviving polluted canals in recent years has contributed to changing the appearance of the city more and more spacious, while creating a good living environment for people.
