Brian Jeffrey
Land subsidence in the Mekong Delta region is happening three times faster than the rise in sea level, with Can Tho sinking at a rate of 1.31 cm per year. This concerning trend has made flood prevention a top priority for the city.
In 2016, the Can Tho Development and Urban Resilience Project (Project 3) was approved by the Vietnamese government to manage flooding in nearly 2,700 hectares in Ninh Kieu and Binh Thuy districts, safeguarding more than 420,000 residents. The project is funded with a total of around $9.2 billion, with close to $5.7 billion coming from a loan by the World Bank.
The key feature of the initiative is the building of a 5.2 km river embankment along the Can Tho River, costing almost $1.1 billion. This embankment not only prevents erosion and protects lives and property but also serves as a scenic riverside walkway across Ninh Kieu District, Phong Dien District, and the opposite bank in Cai Rang District.
Additionally, the project entails constructing 10 tidal gates and two boat locks to control water flow and significantly decrease flooding in the city center. The Cai Khe boat lock, which required an investment of $436 million, was completed after 22 months of construction.
Featuring three main gates and a smaller gate strategically positioned at the head of Khai Luong Canal in Ninh Kieu District, this lock system helps regulate water flow during the rainy season and can isolate sections to prevent flooding from the Can Tho River.
The Tran Hoang Na Bridge, connecting Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang districts over the Can Tho River, officially opened on April 26 after facing delays. This bridge enhances access to the city’s southern gateway and relieves traffic on the Hung Loi and Cai Rang bridges.
Costing 791 billion VND and taking 3.5 years to complete, the 600-meter-long and 23-meter-wide bridge aims to improve transportation in the region. In addition, the Quang Trung Bridge (Phase 2) was completed and opened to traffic at the end of 2021 alongside the Tran Hoang Na Bridge.
Moreover, the project involves constructing a road linking Cach Mang Thang Tam Street with Provincial Road 918. This 5.3 km road, with a width of 40 meters, connects important arterial routes in the city.
According to the Can Tho ODA Project Management Board, Project 3 has been predominantly finished and plays a vital role in sustainable urban progress, enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change. The initiative also reduces flood vulnerability in the central area and enhances the transportation network within and between regions.
Project 3 is made up of three sections: Flood Control and Environmental Sanitation, Urban Corridor Development, and Strengthening Urban Management to Adapt to Climate Change.
