An eroded embankment section along Thanh Đa Canal in HCM City's Bình Thạnh District. — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh

HCM CITY — The HCM City People's Committee has urged local authorities, relevant agencies and investors to speed up construction progress of embankment projects for erosion prevention to safeguard the lives and assets of residents.

The People's Committee emphasises the importance of providing proactive support to localities in implementing measures and plans to combat tidal flooding in areas where land has been handed over but embankment projects are yet to commence.

Upon completion of the investment and commencement of embankment projects, it is essential to organise a handover for effective management, operation, and utilisation of the infrastructure.

The People's Committee has directed the city’s Department of Planning and Investment to prioritise and allocate investment funds for embankment construction projects to ensure that localities and entities adhere to timelines, achieve operational efficiency, and guarantee the safety of residential areas.

The city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and local authorities to intensify patrols and inspections and address violations related to unauthorised sand and gravel exploitation and transportation along the Sài Gòn River in Củ Chi District, Đồng Nai River in Thủ Đức City, Lòng Tàu and Soài Rạp rivers, and the coastal areas of Cần Giờ District.

The city’s Department of Transport must promptly submit a report to the municipal People's Committee to report to the municipal People's Council regarding the investment policy decision for the construction project of a riverbank erosion prevention embankment along the Đồng Nai River bank in Thủ Đức City’s Thạnh Mỹ Lợi Ward.

Additionally, it must collaborate with Bình Thạnh District to suggest the investor invest in the construction project for the Thanh Đa Canal embankment - section 1.1 in Ward 25.

Thủ Đức City and districts must actively collaborate with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and relevant project investors to swiftly hand over the cleared land for erosion prevention embankment projects to ensure the timely and conclusive completion of embankment projects across the city.

Based on the list of identified erosion-prone locations released by the People's Committee, the people’s committees of Thủ Đức City and districts consistently organise awareness campaigns for residents residing near these areas to inform and encourage proactive measures for residents to prevent and respond to potential landslides.

According to the People's Committee, among the 32 erosion-prone locations along rivers, canals and ditches in the city in 2023, there are eight locations in Thủ Đức City, seven locations Nhà Bè District, District, seven locations in Cần Giờ District, four locations in Bình Chánh District, four locations in Bình Thạnh District, one location in Hóc Môn District, and one location in Củ Chi District. — VNS