Vietnam’s Can Tho plans $336mn flood-control project with navigation locks

The Can Tho Department of Construction will work with commune-level administrations to inspect and clear clogged drains to improve water drainage during downpours and high tides, said the department’s director Mai Van Tan.

The project will include the construction of two navigation locks, according to Truong Canh Tuyen, chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee.

Meanwhile, an additional navigation lock is planned near the under-construction Binh Thuy Bridge to help control flooding in Binh Thuy Ward.

The project is part of the Mekong Delta city’s broader climate adaptation strategy, focusing on drainage, elevation planning, and resilience against rising tides.

Flooding in several parts of Can Tho is driven by both heavy rainfall and high tides, Tan said.

On September 14 and 28, water levels reached around 2.23-2.25 meters, close to last year’s record high of 2.35 meters.

Some sections of Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in Binh Thuy Ward are particularly vulnerable because their existing elevations range from approximately 1.4 to 2.65 meters.

Once the project to upgrade and widen National Highway 91, including Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, is completed, the road surface is expected to reach elevations of 2.81-2.83 meters.

The higher elevation is expected to help block rising tidal water and reduce flooding in the area, Tan said.

Regarding flooding caused by heavy rain, he said some pumping stations lack sufficient capacity, while technical problems have also affected operations at times.

Ninh Kieu Ward currently has two main pumping stations, including one near Ninh Kieu Bridge with a capacity of 1.5 cubic meters per second, and another on Chau Van Liem Street with a capacity of 2.2 cubic meters per second.

The city continues to operate the stations to drain water during heavy rainfall.