Although the drainage plan has been approved for a long time, the infrastructure system of Hanoi City currently only meets about 20% of actual needs. Faced with increasing flooding pressure, accelerating the progress of the emergency project of Yen Nghia 1 regulating lake has become an urgent task to ensure the lives of tens of thousands of households in the western area.
According to reporters' records, the capital's drainage system is in a serious overloaded state. The Hanoi City People's Committee's issuance of a decision to urgently deploy works for the Yen Nghia 1 regulating lake project (Decision No. 6079/QD-UBND) is considered a drastic step to overcome infrastructure limitations.
The project has a total investment of 854.4 billion VND, a water surface area of 20ha, and a regulating capacity of 0.5 million m3. The lake is not only a water storage area but also plays the role of a "regulating valve" connecting to the La Khe canal, contributing to increasing the buffer water storage capacity for the Yen Nghia pumping station, thereby supporting drainage into the Day River.
As of mid-April 2026, the project has completed the handover of 100% of the 23.54 ha area. This is considered a remarkable result, because site clearance is often a major "bottleneck" for infrastructure projects in Hanoi.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung - Head of the Project Management Board for Investment and Construction of Technical and Agricultural Infrastructure Works of Hanoi City said that there are currently 15 construction teams with more than 150 personnel working continuously, including during holidays to compensate for progress. The pre-pressure pile pressure volume has reached over 53%, while the lakebed excavation work has reached about 40%, equivalent to 380,000 m3.
The project applies prestressed reinforced concrete pile technology (SW600B) continuously constructed on a 2.5 km long embankment system. This solution is expected to ensure the durability of the project, limit erosion and shorten construction time, in time to serve the 2026 rainy season.
At the field inspection on the afternoon of April 18, Hanoi Party Secretary - Mr. Tran Duc Thang requested units to accelerate progress and ensure the actual effectiveness of the project. According to him, the construction of regulating lakes or traffic works is not only to complete targets but must contribute to reducing congestion and flooding for people.
The flooding situation after heavy rain for many years is still a pressing issue. Therefore, the pressure on progress for the investor and contractor is very high. According to the plan, before April 30, 2026, the lakebed and connecting culvert system will be completed to be ready for operation; landscape items, green trees, and lighting will continue to be completed afterwards.
The determination of city leaders and the efforts of construction units are creating expectations for a project to "reach the finish line" on schedule. However, reality shows that many infrastructure projects have previously been delayed due to various reasons. Therefore, public opinion also raises questions about responsibility if the project is not completed before the 2026 rainy season.
Director of Hanoi Department of Construction Nguyen Phi Thuong said that when the chain of 10 emergency projects is completed, the city's drainage capacity is expected to increase by about 20%, and at the same time basically handle 60% of flooded points.
