The most notable project is the completion of phase 2 of the Binh Hung Wastewater Treatment Plant . This is an important step forward, demonstrating the city's determination to regenerate and protect the water environment, creating the premise for the city's living environment to be "greener" when the water of Tau Hu - Ben Nghe - Doi - Te canals will be less polluted and no longer black.
Binh Hung Plant can process 469,000m3 of wastewater per day and night to collect and treat domestic wastewater for a basin of 2,530ha in 8 districts with 2 million people benefiting, which is a clear demonstration of the efforts of the Ho Chi Minh City government in restoring the "green" color to rivers and canals.
In particular, the Binh Hung factory project does not only stop at wastewater treatment but is also planned to become a "green destination" with green areas, laboratories and monitoring systems, serving education and scientific research.
This shows a long-term and humane vision of Ho Chi Minh City in protecting the environment.
While efforts like the Binh Hung project are welcome, Ho Chi Minh City still has a long way to go to truly become a green city.
Currently, the green coverage rate of Ho Chi Minh City is only about 0.55m2/person, much lower than other big cities such as Hanoi (2.06m2/person), Da Nang (2.4m2/person), and Hai Phong (3.41m2/person). This is a worrying figure, especially when Ho Chi Minh City is considered the economic locomotive of the whole country.
These figures show that, although Ho Chi Minh City has made many large contributions to the national budget and is a leader in economic development, the planning and development of urban trees has not received due attention.
The city still lacks public green spaces, parks or green areas in central areas, where people can enjoy fresh air and improve their quality of life.
To truly become a green city, Ho Chi Minh City needs to have a more comprehensive greening strategy, not only focusing on water treatment projects but also promoting the increase of urban green space.
The city government needs to consider adjusting urban planning so that green spaces are distributed evenly and reasonably, ensuring that every citizen has access to a green living space.
Furthermore, encouraging community participation in tree planting and protection, or city "greening" programs in cooperation with businesses and non-governmental organizations, are also necessary steps.
The completion of Binh Hung Wastewater Treatment Plant and similar projects is a good start, demonstrating Ho Chi Minh City's concern and efforts in protecting the environment.
However, to become a truly green city, Ho Chi Minh City needs to take longer and stronger steps in increasing the area of urban green trees.
Only when the living environment of the people is surrounded by natural green, will Ho Chi Minh City truly be a livable city, leading not only in economy but also in environmental quality!
