HCM City authorities have approved an anti-flooding plan for the 2016-2021 period including the use of USD400m from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In addition, the city is calling for an additional USD37m to build six water quality monitoring stations and embankments along the Tham Luong, Ben Cat and Nuoc Len canals. These areas are also being heavily polluted by untreated wastewater from manufacturing facilities and household waste.

Sewers, river locks and the drainage systems in Go Vap District will be upgraded.

HCM City regularly floods after rains

According to the city Anti-Flooding Programme Operation Centre, eight out of 56 planned anti-flooding projects were completed last year. 12 constructions will also start this year and three will be completed in 2017.

The dredging of Dong Tien Canal and construction of upgraded drainage systems on Do Xuan Hop and Kinh Duong Vuong streets is expected to improve drainage.

The report to the prime minister in 2015 showed that by the end of 2014, HCM City had borrowed over USD1.1bn for anti-flood projects. It is estimated that the city will have to spend USD193m each year to re-pay its debts and interest.