HCMC to Relocate 15,000 Canal Families in Major Urban Renewal

Picture courtesy of VN Express

Ho Chi Minh City has announced a significant urban renewal plan to relocate nearly 15,000 families living along District 8’s canals to new apartment buildings. These families currently reside in makeshift homes along several canals, including Ong Lon, Ong Be, and Can Giuoc.

The plan, approved by city chairman Nguyen Van Duoc, aims to address both living conditions and severe water pollution. Over 1,500 homes are built entirely over the water, necessitating urgent action. In addition to clearing these areas, the project will dredge 36.5 km of waterways and construct embankments. Green spaces and public areas will also be developed.

The ambitious project is estimated to cost over VND105 trillion (US$4 billion), funded by the state budget. The city plans to offset costs by auctioning reclaimed land and developing commercial housing for sale.

District 8, with the highest concentration of canal-side houses, is part of a broader effort to relocate all canal inhabitants by 2030. Currently, HCMC has around 40,000 such homes along its waterways.

Since 1993, the city has successfully relocated over 44,300 families, improving urban landscapes and revitalising areas like Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe. This new initiative continues that transformative effort, aiming to enhance living conditions and the city’s environment.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-01