This decision follows Van Lang University's request for compensation for the 8,909 m2 area, which the university purchased and fully compensated residents for.
According to Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, this nearly 8,909 m2 plot is part of the Xuyen Tam canal renovation project in An Nhon ward (formerly Go Vap district). It was only temporarily assigned to the university, is not covered by a land use rights certificate, and is currently under the management of the local government.
![]() |
Slums next to Xuyen Tam canal, 2022. Photo: Quynh Tran |
In 1998, the Prime Minister issued a decision allocating 52,766 m2 out of a total of 58,252 m2 of land in ward 5, Go Vap district, to Van Lang Private University (now Van Lang University) for campus construction. The remaining area of over 5,400 m2 was managed by the city's People's Committee for road expansion and the Rach Lang Lon canal protection corridor. In 2015, the land area allocated for the project was adjusted to 49,343 m2, leased for 50 years with a one-time payment.
The remaining 8,909 m2, within the Rach Lang canal protection corridor and the planned road, was temporarily assigned to the university for construction according to the plan, to later be handed over to the Go Vap District People's Committee. In 2017, the university received a land use rights certificate for 49,343 m2, excluding the aforementioned 8,909 m2.
![]() |
Xuyen Tam canal route. Graphics: Dang Hieu |
Based on this information, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development concluded that Van Lang University's compensation request is unfounded. They requested the university to hand over the land to An Nhon ward People's Committee, the Urban Infrastructure Investment and Construction Project Management Board, and the Compensation and Site Clearance Board before 10/8 to facilitate the project.
The Xuyen Tam canal dredging and renovation project, spanning almost 9 km through Binh Thanh and Go Vap districts, is considered Ho Chi Minh City's most polluted canal. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the project is currently facing site clearance obstacles, with several fragmented sections hindering progress.
Le Tuyet