Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung inspected two major infrastructure projects in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of October 13 during his working trip to the southern metropolis, reviewing construction progress and obstacles requiring urgent resolution.
The projects are the Tham Luong–Ben Cat–Nuoc Len Canal infrastructure and environmental improvement project and the project to combat tidal flooding in Ho Chi Minh City with climate change considerations.
At the sites, the Prime Minister heard reports on project progress, obstacles to construction, and issues requiring attention in the coming period.
The Tham Luong–Ben Cat–Nuoc Len Canal project is one of the city’s key infrastructure works. Approved by the municipal People’s Committee in 2022 and adjusted in 2025, it has a total investment of more than 9.03 trillion VND (348.46 million USD) and is scheduled for implementation from 2021 to 2026.
Construction began on February 23, 2023, with 10 packages. The project has completed about 80% of the workload, while disbursement has reached approximately 75%.
Construction is proceeding across all packages, focusing on roads, pavements, canal embankments and road surfacing. Around 62km of embankments have been completed, while 48km of roads along both sides of the canals have been opened to traffic. The project is expected to improve the environment, mitigate flooding, upgrade urban landscapes and strengthen transport connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring localities, including Tay Ninh and Dong Nai.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the tidal flood-control project, which has a total investment of 10 trillion VND, has reached approximately 95% completion. Around 1,500 workers have been mobilised to accelerate construction, with handover scheduled for November.
The project targets a 570sq.km area on the right bank of the Saigon River and in the city centre, home to around 6.5 million people. Launched in 2016 under a build-transfer (BT) arrangement, it comprises six major tidal-control sluice gates, an embankment system along the Saigon River and auxiliary facilities.
Other components include approximately 7.8km of embankments and riverbank protection at vulnerable sections between Vam Thuat and Song Kinh, together with smaller sluice gates measuring 1–10 metres wide along the section from Vam Thuat to Muong Chuoi.
The central management facility and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system have also been completed. The system enables centralised operation, collects and monitors water-level and rainfall data, controls sluice gates and pumping stations, and supports warnings and waterway traffic coordination.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2018, the project has suffered repeated delays due to legal obstacles and difficulties in arranging payments to the investor.
To resolve the outstanding issues, competent authorities have introduced various policies and mechanisms, including Government Resolutions No. 16/2026/NQ-CP and No. 212/NQ-CP, National Assembly Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15 and Government Decree No. 257/2025/ND-CP./.
VNA
See more
Shark Thuy indicted over alleged fraud involving more than 330 million USD
The Supreme People’s Procuracy has issued an indictment against Nguyen Ngoc Thuy and 28 other defendants over an alleged fraud involving more than 8.4 trillion VND (321 million USD) from more than 10,000 victims.
Bringing fallen heroes home: Keeping Vietnam’s tradition of gratitude alive
Ho Chi Minh City has always regarded the search for and recovery of martyrs’ remains and the identification of the fallen as a particularly important political task, a demonstration of the affection for and commitment to those who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom, said a local official.
Premium trains boost rail tourism between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang
The service features 32 refurbished carriages, including four-berth and six-berth sleeping cars and a dining car. Interiors have been redesigned in warm cream and sea-inspired blue, with new bedding, curtains, lighting and sound systems.
Vietnam honours outstanding farmers over 40 years of Doi Moi
The 96 honourees, representing 34 provinces and cities, were recognised for innovation, effective production models and efforts to increase agricultural value.
Vietnam highlights UNESCO’s role in promoting peace, inclusive development
Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for UNESCO’s role in its fields of expertise, highlighting the organisation’s leadership in accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education.
Vietnam pilots visa exemption for Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa
Eligible visitors must travel in groups of at least two on package tours organised by Vietnam’s international travel companies in accordance with the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. Each tour must not exceed 30 days.
Building a learning society – Driver of growth, development and social progress
Fostering a learning society is a steadfast policy of the Party and State, aimed at ensuring equitable access to education, promoting lifelong learning, and enabling holistic personal development.
Russia waives visa requirements for Vietnamese tourists
According to a notice published on the official website of Russia’s Ministry of Justice, Vietnamese citizens can now stay in Russia for up to 30 consecutive days, provided their purpose of travel is not employment.
Vietnamese in Australia keep heritage alive
Vietnamese dance and traditional music classes organised by the Viet-Aus Culture Exchange Organisation (VACEO) have been held every Saturday afternoon in Bankstown, Sydney.
Saigon River pedestrian bridge set to be joined on October 21
The assembly comprises a main bridge structure weighing about 1,400 tonnes and a specialised steel supporting frame weighing around 2,000 tonnes. During testing, about 30 self-propelled modular transporters were used to lift the assembly 40cm off the ground for technical inspections. Sensors and monitoring equipment recorded key parameters.
Vietnamese scientist in Japan advances research, training, technology transfer for homeland
Recently ranked first in the field of Plant Science and Agronomy at Hiroshima University by Research.com, Professor Tran Dang Xuan said his research on photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) for rice cultivation has shown promising initial results in Vietnam and Japan, with rice yields potentially increasing by more than 20%.
Vietnam, Russia step up cooperation in criminal sentence enforcement
Vietnam seeks to develop reliable, substantive and effective cooperation with Russia in security and law enforcement, based on stronger political trust and closer coordination.
Hanoi breaks ground on 299-hectare safari park
Its key features will include animal habitats modelled on natural ecosystems, veterinary and research facilities, educational exhibitions and recreational areas. Green spaces and water bodies will cover about 81.8% of the site, providing ecological corridors and suitable habitats for wildlife.
Vietnamese community in China urged to stay united, contribute to homeland
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man reaffirmed that the Party and State regard overseas Vietnamese as an inseparable part of the nation and are committed to mobilising their potential and supporting their legitimate interests.
German-Vietnamese friendship association marks 50 years of nurturing people-to-people ties
Since its establishment in 1976, the association has sought to bring together organisations and individuals who support Vietnam, strengthen solidarity and serve as a bridge between the two peoples.
Hiroshima concert spreads message of peace, Vietnam-Japan friendship
The “Love & Peace Concert 2026 in Hiroshima” brought together around 400 guests on October 9 to raise funds for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam and promote peace and friendship between Vietnam and Japan through traditional music and cultural exchange.
Vietnam youth campaign generates 1.3 billion social media reach
The Vietnam Youth Federation’s websites and social media pages recorded nearly 232 million views and reach, while more than 17,600 TikTok videos using the hashtags #ToiYeuToQuocToi and #70NamHoiLHTNVN garnered nearly 560 million views.
Hanoi Old Quarter launches pilot smart street model
The initiative aims to improve experiences for residents, visitors and businesses while promoting the Old Quarter’s cultural values.
Agricultural research outcomes must be translated into tangible benefits for economy: Top legislator
NA President Tran Thanh Man asked the university to strongly overhaul its training programmes to cultivate "global citizens" for modern agriculture, decisively shifting from teaching what it has to meeting the actual demand of society, enterprises, and national development.
Jobs help people with disabilities build independent lives
More than a source of income, a suitable job gives peope with disabilities a chance to demonstrate their abilities, gain respect and participate in society on an equal footing.