The Ben Nghe floodgate is located on the Ben Nghe canal, near Cau Mong bridge, bordering the former District 1 and District 4. This structure is a key component of the Ho Chi Minh City tidal flood control project considering climate change factors, phase one, implemented under a build-transfer (BT) contract, and commenced in 2016.

The floodgate's main features include a gate system weighing over 434 tons, gate support beams, anti-seepage piles, a regulatory valve system, channel dredging, and an automatic SCADA control center.

The Ben Nghe tidal floodgate undergoing trial operation on the morning of 2/2. Photo: *Giang Anh*

According to its design, the floodgate operates flexibly based on water levels inside and outside the river. When tidal water rises, the gate closes to prevent tidal intrusion. When the water level outside the river is lower than inside, the gate opens to drain water, while ensuring smooth waterway traffic. During the rainy season, the floodgate also operates to create water storage capacity, aiding drainage when conditions allow.

Nguyen Tam Tien, General Director of Trungnam Group, the project's investor, stated that commissioning the Ben Nghe floodgate is a crucial step towards restoring the entire tidal flood control project. He added, "This provides the foundation to accelerate the completion of remaining components, quickly achieving effective flood control, supporting rainwater drainage, and improving the urban environment."

According to the investor, the project is currently about 94% complete. The remaining work primarily involves checking, calibrating, system connecting, trial operation, and acceptance. However, for the project to be completed this year, Trungnam Group has urged Ho Chi Minh City to promptly resolve legal issues and finalize land fund payments as per the BT contract.

Locations of the six tidal floodgates for the 10 trillion VND anti-flooding project. Graphic: *Khanh Hoang*

Bui Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND), stated that the tidal flood control project faced delays for many years due to procedural and payment mechanism difficulties. In 7/2025, the Government issued Resolution 212 to remove bottlenecks, providing a basis for the city and the investor to resume implementation. To date, the total investment has been adjusted and awaits the State Audit's conclusion for final agreement.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders emphasized that the operation of the Ben Nghe floodgate represents an initial achievement in the project's restoration. Moving forward, the city will accelerate land allocation procedures, mobilize capital, and coordinate with departments and agencies to bring the entire project into synchronized operation soon.

The Ho Chi Minh City tidal flood control project has a total investment of nearly 10 trillion VND. It includes six large tidal floodgates and a dike system along the Saigon River, approximately 6 km long. Upon completion, the project is expected to control flooding for an area of about 570 sq km, benefiting over 6,5 million residents on the right bank of the Saigon River and in the city center.

*Giang Anh*