Ho Chi Minh City is seeking approval for more than VND15.2 trillion (about $580 million) to rehabilitate three heavily polluted canals, upgrade drainage and improve urban infrastructure. The scale of the plan makes it a key issue for residents living near the waterways.

The Hy Vong Canal project, overseen by the municipal People’s Committee, now has a budget of VND2.546 trillion. About VND1.899 trillion of this amount is earmarked for compensation, support and resettlement of households, while the remaining funds will fund dredging, embankments and road works that will restore the canal’s drainage capacity.

For Ba Tang Creek, the municipal People’s Committee proposes an investment of VND7.974 trillion. The project aims to reduce flooding over roughly 225 hectares and will affect 851 households, including 587 that require full clearance. Compensation, support and resettlement are estimated at VND5.327 trillion.

The Bau Trau Creek plan has been revised to VND4.744 trillion, more than three and a half times its original estimate. Over 71% of this budget, or VND3.405 trillion, is allocated to compensation, support and resettlement for the 312 affected cases.

In addition, two western road expansions are proposed with a combined cost exceeding VND10.805 trillion. Approximately VND9.043 trillion, or more than 83%, is designated for compensation, support and resettlement of residents displaced by the road works.

Overall, the projects promise better flood protection and drainage, but they also require massive compensation and relocation for thousands of households. The city hopes the benefits will outweigh the disruption.