HCMC – HCMC will raise its target for relocating homes along canals and waterways to 40,000 units from 20,000 as part of efforts to upgrade urban areas, improve the environment, and reduce flooding, city authorities said on May 21.
Le Ngoc Linh, deputy director of the city’s Department of Construction, said the department had sent an urgent request to local authorities to review and propose projects for urban renewal and relocation of homes built on or along rivers, canals, and waterways.
The adjustment follows a directive issued by the HCMC government on May 5 and forms part of measures for implementing the central Government’s conclusions aimed at supporting double-digit economic growth in 2026.
The Department of Construction has identified 349 rivers, canals, and waterways requiring further relocation work.
Local authorities were asked to assess current conditions, propose priority investment projects, and update planning options under the department’s guidance.
Areas subject to review range from wards such as Tan Hung, Tan My, Tan Thuan, Phu Thuan, and Thu Duc to communes including Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Nha Be, Can Gio, and An Nhon Tay.
The department also requested that local authorities estimate investment needs, compensation and resettlement costs, and construction expenses, and provide related planning documents and maps.
Authorities were further instructed to review policies aimed at attracting strategic investors under Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15, which amended Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15, to identify funding sources for the projects.
Reports must be submitted to the Department of Construction by May 25 for consolidation and further review by the HCMC People’s Committee.
