Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are considering the relocation of households in 40 locations at risk of riverbank subsidence.

Statistics released by the municipal Department of Transport show that 40 locations across eight Ho Chi Minh City districts are facing potential subsidence, 23 of which are considered particularly at-risk.

Nha Be District houses the highest number of at-risks locations, with 16 areas, followed by District 2, Thu Duc District, and Can Gio District.

According to Nguyen Van Tam, deputy director of the city’s transport department, competent authorities have been ask to post warnings along sections of riverbank identified as being threatened by potential collapse.

Regular inspection will be carried out to monitor the situation, Tam said, adding that relevant agencies will work to determine the cause of the subsidence and identify possible solutions.

The People’s Committees in the affected districts were also asked to plan for the relocation of residents in the affected areas.

Embankment projects are being carried out at 35 locations, Tam stated, before adding that the construction has met myriad difficulties regarding the area clearance process, sluggish execution, and limited capital investment.

The Department of Transport has urged to Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to provide financial assistance for the early completion of these projects.

Embankments at the other locations are expected to be built during the 2017-18 period, the official stated.

According to another official from the transport department, only eight households along Rach Tom River in Nha Be District agreed to be relocated after a large crack appeared in the neighborhood on May 30.

Local authorities are encouraging other residents in the area to move to a safer place.

The Nha Be administration has also been working with the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research to temporarily deal with the subsidence, said Bui Hoa An, vice-chairman of Nha Be administration.

A 500-meter embankment will be proposed as a long-term measure against bank collapse along Rach Tom River, An stated.

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