he HCM City administration has agreed on the World Bank (WB)’s request for terminating a project on water drainage and pollution reduction of Thẩm Lương–Bến Cát–Rạch Nước Lên canal.— Photo saigondautu.com.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City administration has agreed on the World Bank (WB)’s request for terminating a project on water drainage and pollution reduction of Thẩm Lương–Bến Cát–Rạch Nước Lên canal. 

The information was released by the Office of the municipal People’s Committee, which announced a recent working session between Chairman of the People’s Committee Nguyễn Thanh Phong and WB Country Director for Việt Nam Ousmane Dione. 
Accordingly, the WB highly valued the southern city’s efforts to co-ordinate with WB representatives in seeking solutions to obstacles to site clearance, compensation and resettlement of the project. 
However, after considering many factors, the WB asked for HCM City’s unanimity in carrying out procedures for terminating the project. 
The WB side affirmed that it will continue to assist the city, thus contributing to local development, especially in urban infrastructure development, flood prevention, and environment improvement. 
It said the planned capital for this project, about US$400 million, will be spent on other projects depending on HCM City leaders’ proposal. 
HCM City will continue implementing the water drainage and pollution reduction project by using local resources or other forms of investment, according to the People’s Committee Office. 
Chairman Phong assigned the municipal Department of Planning and Investment to work with relevant agencies to advice the People’s Committee about procedures for terminating the WB funding for the project. 
They were also ordered to suggest other projects on urban infrastructure development, flood prevention and environment improvement that need investment so that the municipal administration can continue to work with the WB. 
The project on of Thẩm Lương–Bến Cát–Rạch Nước Lên canal is aimed to drain water, improve the environment, expand waterway traffic, stabilise local residents’ life and give a facelift to areas on the banks of Thẩm Lương canal which cover nearly 15,000ha of land. 
It spreads on a length of 32km in the districts of Bình Thạnh, Gò Vấp, Tân Bình, Tân Phú, Bình Tân and Bình Chánh, and districts 12 and 8. — VNS