The Hang Bang Canal, once considered one of the most polluted waterways in Ho Chi Minh City, has been transformed, bringing new life and hope to the surrounding community.

This morning (January 17), a 250-meter section of the Hang Bang Canal, extending from Ngo Nhan Tinh Street to Van Tuong Canal in District 5, was officially completed. The project marks a significant step in urban beautification, enhancing the area's appearance and improving residents’ quality of life.

A long-term vision for change

The renovated section is part of Phase 2 of the Hang Bang Canal Drainage System Improvement Project, which falls under the city’s Water Environment Improvement Plan approved in 2016.

The project is divided into three phases, covering a total length of 1,452 meters along Phan Van Khoe and Bai Say Streets, stretching from Lo Gom Canal to Ngo Nhan Tinh Street. The compensation and clearance costs for the project amount to 2.8 trillion VND (approximately $117 million USD).

The newly completed canal section features a width of 12 meters, a bottom width of 4 meters, and a depth of 4.5 meters. Both sidewalks are paved with stone, shaded by newly planted trees, and designed as recreational spaces for the community.

Safety railings over 1 meter high have been installed along the canal to prevent accidents.

"About 30 years ago, Hang Bang Canal was heavily polluted, with ramshackle houses built over it," an elderly local resident recalled. "Now, seeing this clean and beautiful transformation makes everyone happy."

Community and environmental impact

The area around the canal has been equipped with an automated irrigation system for maintaining the greenery along its banks.

Once notorious for its stagnant, foul-smelling waters, the Hang Bang Canal in District 5 is now vibrant and clean, delighting residents who take pride in their rejuvenated neighborhood.

Phase 1 of the project, which spans from Binh Tien Street to Lo Gom Canal, was completed earlier, featuring tree-lined banks and play areas for children.

According to Ms. Son Dung, a local resident, the canal has become a hub for community activities. "Since the canal was cleaned and beautified, people often release fish here. I come out every day to feed them," she shared.

Phase 3 of the project, which stretches from Pham Dinh Ho Street to Binh Tien Street (behind Binh Tay Market), is still pending due to delays in land clearance. The entire canal is expected to be completed by 2028, creating a "green corridor" and serving as a symbol of urban environmental restoration.

Nguyen Hue