Ho Chi Minh City’s extensive 10,000 billion VND anti-flooding project is on track for completion and handover in November, aiming to control tidal flooding across a 570 square kilometer area for 6.5 million residents. The project, which includes six major tidal sluices and a dyke system, has reached approximately 95% overall completion.
On 18/9, engineers and workers were finalizing tasks at Phu Dinh sluice, Phu Dinh ward, one of the project’s six critical components. This sluice is about 93% complete, with remaining work focused on completing dykes and embankments along Doi Canal, installing electromechanical and SCADA control systems, constructing the management building, and undertaking dredging and landscape improvements.
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Contractors constructing dykes, embankments, and roads near Phu Dinh tidal sluice, 18/9. Giang Anh
Pham Van Hung, the contractor's site manager, confirmed the main tidal gate at Phu Dinh is operational, and the boat lock gate system is ready for installation. His team is accelerating auxiliary works and equipment to prepare for trial operations according to established procedures.
Similarly, at Tan Thuan sluice, Tan Thuan ward, construction is approximately 95% complete. The contractor is finalizing the management building, electromechanical equipment, SCADA system, and boat lock gate, alongside canal dredging. Trial operations are scheduled for October to test the system before acceptance.
A representative from Trung Nam An Trieu Co. Ltd., the investor, reported that nearly 1,500 officials, engineers, and workers, along with barges, tugboats, excavators, and other equipment, are mobilized across the entire site. They confirm that main components are largely complete, contributing to the 95% overall progress.
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Tan Thuan tidal sluice from above, 9/2026. Giang Anh
Among the six major sluices, Ben Nghe sluice, Sai Gon ward, shows the highest progress at about 99% and is undergoing regular trial operations. The remaining sluices are also in their final stages, preparing for trial runs and acceptance. The investor aims to complete the entire project and hand it over to the city in November.
The project, initially costing nearly 10,000 billion VND and implemented under a Build-Transfer (BT) contract, commenced in 2016. It encompasses six large tidal sluices, a dyke system along the Sai Gon River, and auxiliary components.
According to its design, the sluices close when tides are high to prevent water intrusion into the city. When the river's water level is lower than the inner area, the gates open for drainage and to maintain waterway traffic. During the rainy season, the system also creates water storage capacity, assisting drainage when feasible.
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Locations of the project's six tidal sluices. Khanh Hoang
Initially slated for completion in 2018, the project faced multiple delays due to legal issues and investor payment methods. Construction halted for the third time in 11/2020, at which point over 90% of the work was complete.
After approximately five years of stagnation, the project restarted in late 2025 following the resolution of several obstacles. Due to the extended implementation period, authorities are currently reviewing the project's total investment for adjustment.
Giang Anh
