Ho Chi Minh City begins canal dredging along Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard to ease flooding

The project targets the Da Do Canal, located between Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard and its parallel road in An Khanh and Binh Trung Wards.

Key components include dredging a 1.7-kilometer section of the canal, building 1.5 kilometers of embankments, and installing a new drainage system, according to Nguyen Hoang Anh Dung, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Construction Investment Project Management Board.

The project also involves constructing walkways, sidewalks, green spaces and lighting along the canal to enhance the area’s landscape.

City officials said the project is designed to improve stormwater drainage, reduce pollution, ease traffic flow, and contribute to the city’s broader flood control system.

Total investment is estimated at over VND86.7 billion (US$3.3 million), with completion expected in 2026.

Local resident Bui Kim Anh, 56, said the canal had long been polluted with water hyacinths and waste.

“Everyone was happy to see the project break ground today. Many came out early this morning to watch,” she said, adding that she hopes similar projects will follow.

Due to heavy traffic in the construction area, the city said it will coordinate with local authorities, construction units and the mynicipal Department of Construction to ensure the project stays on schedule and minimizes disruption.