Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment

A 434-tonne floodgate at the Ben Nghe canal began operation on February 2, marking the restart of Ho Chi Minh City’s long-stalled USD 400 million tidal flood control project.

The Ben Nghe floodgate, one of six large structures under the first phase of the project to address tidal flooding in Ho Chi Minh City while factoring in climate change, is located near Mong Bridge between the former districts 1 and 4. The build-transfer project was launched in 2016.

The structure features a gate system weighing more than 434 tonnes, supporting beams, anti-seepage sheet piles, regulating valves, canal dredging works and an automated SCADA control centre.

Under its design, the floodgate operates flexibly based on water levels inside and outside the canal. When tidal levels rise, the gates close to prevent seawater intrusion. When outside levels fall below inner levels, the gates open to drain water while maintaining waterway traffic. During the rainy season, the system can also be used to store water temporarily to support drainage when conditions allow.

Nguyen Tam Tien, chief executive of Trungnam Group, the project’s investor, said the operation of the Ben Nghe floodgate was a key step towards restoring the entire tidal control scheme. He said it would help accelerate the completion of remaining components, improve flood control, support rainwater drainage and enhance the urban environment.

According to the investor, about 94 per cent of the project has been completed. The remaining work mainly involves inspection, calibration, system connections, trial operations and final acceptance.

Bui Xuan Cuong, vice-chair of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the project had been delayed for years due to procedural hurdles and payment mechanisms. In July 2025, the government issued Resolution 212 to remove bottlenecks and provide a basis for the city and the investor to resume work.
City leaders said operating the Ben Nghe floodgate was an initial result in the project’s recovery. Authorities plan to speed up land allocation procedures, mobilise capital and coordinate across departments to bring the entire system into full operation.

The tidal flood control project in Ho Chi Minh City has a total investment of nearly VND 10 trillion (equivalent to about USD 408 million). It includes six large floodgates and a 6 km riverside dyke along the Sai Gon River. Once completed, it is expected to control flooding across about 570 sq km, benefiting more than 6.5 million residents on the right bank of the Sai Gon River and in the city centre.