Several canals in Ho Chi Minh City are facing severe pollution, with garbage accumulating in large amounts, creating unpleasant odors and concerns over public health.

Among the affected waterways are Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal snaking through District 1, District 3, Binh Thanh District, Phu Nhuan District, and Binh Tan District; Canal 19/5 flowing through Binh Tan District and Tan Phu District; and Hy Vong Canal in Tan Binh District.

As observed by a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter on Thursday, Canal 19/5, especially the stretch running across Binh Hung Hoa Ward in Binh Tan District, was full of trash. 

The so-called landfill was formed after heavy rain last week as trash was carried by the water flow and accumulated, emitting a foul smell that has turned the lives of residents in the neighborhood upside down.

K., who lives by the canal, said cleanup crews regularly remove garbage, but waste quickly accumulates again.

"Some people throw trash into the canal at night," K. said. "I hope authorities will take stricter measures against littering to prevent this from happening."

Another resident pointed out that much of the trash in the canal comes from vendors who carelessly discard their waste.

Hy Vong Canal faces a similar situation, often choked with garbage, especially after heavy rains.

Frustrated locals have called for greater public awareness and responsibility.

“We hope people will change their attitudes toward littering so the canal stays clean and the foul smell disappears,” one resident said.

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