Ho Chi Minh City proposes Saigon River cleanup for tourism boost
Monday, March 17, 2025, 10:22 GMT+7
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works has proposed an urgent cleanup operation for a Saigon River section to enhance environmental quality and tourism appeal at Bach Dang Wharf, a prime attraction in the city center.
The initiative aims to remove floating waste and water hyacinths from the river segment stretching from a T-intersection with Kenh Te Canal to the Saigon Bridge before the busy April 30 holiday, which marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day.
The department highlighted that a pilot program using new technology to remove waste from this river section was successfully conducted from August to December 2023.
This initiative significantly improved water quality and reduced pollution around Bach Dang Wharf.
However, the cleanup operations have ceased since the pilot program's conclusion due to the lack of finalized cost estimates from city authorities.
Despite partial support from various agencies, significant waste accumulation persists, negatively impacting the urban landscape, environment, and water traffic.
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| Water hyacinths around Bach Dang Wharf in downtown Ho Chi Minh City at noon on March 14, 2025. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre |
The continuous buildup of waste has affected air quality, particularly around Bach Dang Wharf, a popular tourist destination.
Floating water hyacinth and trash have also obstructed river flow and damaged navigation buoys.
To combat this issue, the department proposed a special cleanup operation running from April 1 to June 30, using modern waste collection technology such as conveyor belt-equipped waste collection boats, excavators, and barges.
The department recommended a direct contracting method for the project, as a traditional bidding process would take at least 22 days, potentially delaying the cleanup beyond the April 30 deadline.
Pending the official approval of service cost estimates, the transport department requested the municipal People's Committee to authorize the immediate implementation of the new technology cleanup along this Saigon River section.
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