Xuyên Tâm Canal crosses over Văn Thánh Tourism Site. — Photo courtesy of tuoitre.vn

HCM CITY — HCM City will set up a working group to carry out a renovation project in Xuyên Tâm Canal and the relocation of thousands of houses.

Speaking at a meeting on the implementation of dredging, environmental improvement and infrastructure construction of Xuyên Tâm Canal, specifically the section between Nhiêu Lộc - Thị Nghè Canal and Vàm Thuật River in Bình Thạnh and Gò Vấp districts, chairman of HCM City People's Committee Phan Văn Mãi stressed the importance of the task.

The HCM City Department of Construction is the team leader and is responsible for preparing a pre-feasibility study and working with relevant units and experts to research and propose feasible investment methods and capital sources to initiate the project soon.

The capital funds can be taken from the central budget, the city budget or the issuance of construction bonds.

The pre-feasibility study report of the project must be completed and submitted in October. After that, the HCM City People’s Council will make further decisions regarding investment policy in the last meeting of this year.

The HCM City Department of Construction is also required to research and propose policies to support resettlement for locals with houses on and along the canals by September.

Meanwhile, the HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture will coordinate with relevant units to review the project’s neighboring area and propose necessary adjustments in accordance with regulations.

The review process helps ensure a harmonious urban enhancement and makes it easier to call for investment.

Xuyên Tâm Canal is about 8.2km long, of which the project's scope from Nhiêu Lộc - Thị Nghè Canal to Vàm Thuật River is 6.4km long.

The project, estimated to cost about VNĐ9,353 billion, has been delayed for many years and is also one of the 25 urgent projects on the list of urban betterment and development plans of the city between 2021 and 2025.

The plan aims to relocate 6,500 houses on and along the canal while tackling drainage-related problems and improving the environment. — VNS