At the meeting, one official said flooding caused by high tides is worsening due to rapid urbanization in city suburbs and rising sea levels.

Since 1990, water levels at seven stations in HCMC have been increasingly steadily while anti-flooding projects designed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have yet to control rising tides.

The HCMC Anti-Flood Committee proposed a three-year project worth around US$100 million in its first stage to build three 200-km dykes.

Two would be built along the Sai Gon River, one stretching from Cu Chi District to Nha Be District, another from Thu Duc to Districts 2 and 9 and the last along the Tra and Xang Canals up to the Can Giuoc River.

The project will focus on constructing river embankments, several large sullage (or silt) pits and other dykes inside the city.

Along with dyke projects being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the project is expected to reduce 80% of city flooding.

In response, Vice-Chairman Tin asked relevant authorities to report their proposals for the project before December 15 when the HCMC People’s Committee will seek investment capital.

(Source: SGGP)