A drainage system along Vo Van Ngan Street in Thu Duc City, an administrative district under Ho Chi Minh City, was put into operation in late April, but heavy downpours on Wednesday inundated the street and washed away manhole covers and bricks.

The situation has sparked concerns over the efficiency and quality of the system, which carried a price tag of VND248 billion (US$9.7 million).

Thu Duc Market was completely flooded, while at some sections of Alley 153 on Vo Van Ngan Street, the asphalt was seen carried away by rainwater.

Houses and stalls at the market were filled with garbage brought in by the deluge.

The rain also dislodged manholes and bricks along the street, endangering commuters.

Many locals believed that the rain was the heaviest to have ever been recorded in Thu Duc City since the beginning of the year.

“Before the drainage system was put into use on Vo Van Ngan Street, the area would become inundated, but the floodwaters would recede quickly," said Kim Ngan, who lives in Linh Tay Ward.

"The rainfall on Wednesday, however, caused severe flooding."

The drainage system along Vo Van Ngan Street was expected to ease the flooding in Thu Duc Market and the surrounding area, which many consider a ‘hub of inundation.’

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