Ho Chi Minh City to hire int'l professionals for drainage system planning
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 14:22 GMT+7
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are seeking the help of international experts to improve the local drainage system against the backdrop of increasingly severe flooding.
The municipal People’s Committee has approved a proposal by the Department of Transport on adjusting the planning of drainage systems.
The transport department has tasked the Ho Chi Minh City Management Board of Environmental Sanitation with initiating the scheme.
An international bid is set to be organized to select a competent and suitable organization for the adjustment and improvement of the drainage system by 2030, with a vision toward 2050.
Local experts and scientists have previously pointed out several obsolete specifications regarding the current planning for discharging floodwater, which has proved ineffective against the increasingly high tides and heavy downpours brought about by climate change.
Developers of other anti-flood projects in the southern hub also backed their opinion, assessing that the city remains susceptible to serious inundation despite newly built anti-flood constructions and sewer entrances.
Many parts of Ho Chi Minh City have been submerged in large volumes of floodwater whenever a torrential rain or high tide has occurred.
Extreme downpours in late August and late September proved that the metropolis was defenseless against high rainfall, with many streets submerged and traffic congestion exacerbated.
The basements of many buildings were partially or even entirely filled with water, leaving vehicle owners helpless as their bikes and cars were covered.
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport also fell victim to the rain, resulting in multiple domestic and international flights being delayed or canceled.
Rising tides were also a contributor to local flooding, submerging roads and houses in several neighborhoods.
The most recent high tide, which hit the city at the same time as prolonged rains on Sunday and Monday, placed immense pressure on local drainage systems, causing difficulties for commuters and residents.
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