Located along the Saigon River, the land in An Loi Dong Ward (Thu Duc City) is currently one of the rare large natural green areas left in the city center. With an area of over 150 hectares, this area has a rich flooded ecosystem including water coconut, cajuput, crab, and many species of birds, fish, and small animals that live naturally.
Although not exploited and used properly, this place is still a familiar place for many people to exercise, fish, and cool the air. Some sections along the river have experienced the emergence of household waste, small wooden bridges across the canals have degraded and the residential road is not safe.
Recently, Truong Hai Group (THACO) has just issued a document proposing to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to allow research and investment in a 150.2ha ecological forestry area, with a total estimated capital of about VND6,400 billion.
In which, investors proposed to express their desire to participate in research and investment in projects in Thu Thiem and the city under the form of public-private partnership (PPP) or other forms in accordance with the Investment Law. These projects aim to develop quality public spaces, expand green areas, improve the living environment and enhance the appearance of Thu Thiem urban area.
According to the proposal, the forestry area will develop into the second largest ecological park in Ho Chi Minh City, after Saigon Safari (Cu Chi), meeting all three goals: preserving the natural ecosystem, creating high-quality public space and developing sustainable eco-tourism in the city.
In addition to the above project, THACO also proposed to deploy a central square and a riverbank park in Thu Thiem, with a total area of 27.3 hectares, of which the square section is more than 21 hectares wide. This will be the largest square in the country, directly connecting to the center of Ho Chi Minh City via a pedestrian bridge across the river, becoming a new cultural - political - community highlight along the Saigon River. With a total estimated investment capital of nearly VND1,800 billion.
When these two projects are put into implementation, they will contribute to completing green space, enhancing the appearance of Thu Thiem urban area, and at the same time opening up opportunities for developing large-scale tourism, resorts and community activities right in the heart of the city.
