Ho Chi Minh City speeds up $730 million Xuyen Tam canal redevelopment

The Ho Chi Minh City administration is accelerating the reconstruction of the 9‑km Xuyen Tam canal, a flagship urban‑environment project valued at over VND 17.2 trillion (about US$730 million). The works, which link the Nhiêu Lộc‑Thị Nghè canal to the Vàm Thuật river and cross four city wards, have completed full land clearance and compensation for 2,190 displaced households. Residents such as Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy said the compensation of more than VND 1.6 billion was “fair”.

Project leader Pham Nhat Linh reported that the XL‑03 contract (1.3 km) is about 75 % finished and slated for technical completion by early September, with the remaining two contracts already underway after land hand‑over in June. To meet the target completion date of late 2027, the city has sought a “green‑lane” permit allowing material‑hauling trucks to operate during daytime on restricted routes, and is adding machinery, labor shifts, and additional construction fronts. City officials including Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang and Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc are monitoring progress closely.