A plan to turn Ho Chi Minh City into a ‘smart city’ has been approved by the local administration amid prospects that it will bring multiple benefits to local residents.

The municipal People’s Committee has announced its approval of a ‘smart city’ project, scheduled for the 2017-20 period and with a vision for 2025.

Once the model is executed, local residents are expected to benefit from low-cost energy, convenient public transport systems, improved healthcare services, high-quality education, and diverse entertainment options.

The plan will also help reduce the negative impacts of flooding, provide better food security, minimize pollution to the environment and water resources, and reduce criminal activity.

Workers will be provided with the necessary services and infrastructure to improve their competitiveness globally, including broadband Internet connection, cheap and clean energy, learning and training opportunities, affordable living and work spaces, as well as efficient transportation.

The ‘smart city’ model is also intended to optimize its use of resources, thus improving the quality of services for people today and preserving its benefits for future generations.

In mid-November, the Ho Chi Minh City administration signed a deal with military-run mobile network operator Viettel regarding the implementation of the project.   

Viettel executives underlined several obstacles the southern hub has been facing in its development, including traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and limited infrastructure development resources.

The military-run firm asserted the necessity to create a centralized monitoring center to resolve the issues.

The center will consist of several units in charge of different tasks, namely supervising traffic and fighting crime, receiving and analyzing emergency information such as firefighting and search and rescue missions, monitoring and ensuring information security, managing media information, and answering residents' inquiries regarding public services.

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