Landslides spread widely, eating close to the roadbed
Along both sides of the Nuoc Man - Phu Tong canal (Hung Hoi commune, Ca Mau province) nearly 3km long, many serious landslides have appeared. In some places, landslides penetrate deep into the mainland from 1-2m, close to the existing reinforced concrete road leading to Hung Thien Pagoda.
This situation has caused canal bank land and people's production land to be swept away. Some landslide locations have approached residential areas, posing a potential safety risk, especially during high tides or heavy rains.
Many sections were previously temporarily reinforced with melaleuca piles. However, these items have deteriorated, generating new landslide points, increasing the risk of affecting the roadbed structure and traffic safety.
Mr. Tran Van Chinh, Phu Tong hamlet, Hung Hoi commune said: "Erosion has caused land loss, eating close to the house. Previously, the canal was not large, but since ferries brought visitors to and from Hung Thien Pagoda regularly, there have been more landslides. People hope to be reinforced soon to retain land and roads.
According to local authorities, the west bank of the canal has been invested in a reinforced concrete road and is implementing a project to upgrade and expand the road to Hung Thien Pagoda. The east bank has completed about 600m of concrete embankment, but it is not yet possible to protect the entire route.
Finding solutions to ensure people's livelihoods
The main cause of the landslide is identified as large-capacity motorboats circulating, creating waves that directly impact the canal banks. Concrete roads built near the canal edge increase the load on weak soil, increasing the risk of slippage and landslides.
The operation of transporting passengers by ferry to Hung Thien Pagoda still takes place regularly, especially during holidays, making the pressure on the canal bank greater.
Some ferry owners believe that stopping operations will affect livelihoods. Ut Dep ferry terminal owner said that people live on ferry terminals and parking lots serving pilgrims, if banned, they will face difficulties. People proposed to keep ferry operations to serve the travel and experience needs of tourists.
Faced with the above situation, the Hung Hoi commune government has implemented temporary measures such as building melaleuca pillars, embanking landslide locations in the form of frog mouths, laying ropes, and placing warning signs.
Mr. Truong Quoc Viet - Chairman of Hung Hoi Commune People's Committee - said that the locality has proposed to departments and branches to soon support the handling of serious landslide points, and at the same time proposed reinforcing embankments at key locations from medium-term public investment capital in the 2026-2030 period.
The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau province has conducted a field survey and proposed building a reinforced concrete embankment system to protect existing roads and ensure traffic infrastructure safety.
At the same time, it is proposed that the Provincial People's Committee assign the Hung Hoi Commune People's Committee to prepare a report proposing investment policies for the project to build a dyke to prevent landslides on the road to Hung Thien Pagoda, and submit it to competent authorities for consideration.
