Installation of a pipeline system under the Sai Gon River will dramatically curb pollution in HCM City\'s canals, city authorities said last Friday.

Sai Gon River

The pipeline system, which is part of a drainage system running along Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal, is an important section of the city\'s hygiene and environmental project for the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe basin.

"This is a breakthrough in the country\'s construction of underground culverts," said Bui Pham Khanh, deputy minister of transport.

The 410-metre long under-river system, which is 3,000mm wide connecting drainage systems in District 2 and Binh Thanh District, will play a key role in collecting sewage and rainwater that will then flow to a plant for treatment before being poured into the river.

Installation of the pipeline system was completed in September.

Difficulties caused by topographical conditions had led to concerns earlier in the year that the system might be unusable.

Le Hoang Quan, chairman of the HCM City People\'s Committee, said a drainage pipeline system would help speed up work on the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Basin project.

It will also help prevent further pollution of the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal.

The project, which began in 2001 with total capital of US$199.9 million from the State budget and World Bank loans, is expected to collect sewage and rainwater over a total area of 33.2 square kilometres in seven districts around the city. — VNS