Ho Chi Minh City ward installs upgraded floating trash barrier to combat canal pollution

The barrier, developed in cooperation with the Sai Gon Xanh Club, allows workers to stand directly on the device while collecting trash, improving safety and efficiency compared to previous models which required wading into the water, local officials said.

Nguyen Anh Cuong, deputy secretary of the ward’s Party Committee and chairman of the People’s Committee, said Binh Hung Hoa is a densely-populated area with more than 180,000 residents facing environmental challenges including urban pollution, garbage buildup, and waterway contamination.

“The movement to build a green Binh Hung Hoa is necessary and has deep political, social, and humanitarian significance,” Cuong said during the launch event, which also included community clean-up efforts and tree planting.

The campaign targets transforming the ward into a green, clean, safe, and beautiful area by 2030, with goals including 90 percent of neighborhoods meeting environmental standards and all households participating in waste sorting.

Pham Hoang Khanh, deputy chairman of the ward’s People’s Committee, said the floating barrier installation is part of ongoing efforts to regularly clear trash and water hyacinth from canals, improve water flow, and ensure proper drainage.

In addition to physical interventions, local authorities plan to strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, with increased patrols, camera monitoring, and community reporting mechanisms. 

Violators will face fines, while citizens helping to identify offenders will receive rewards.