With an estimated population of nearly 10 million inhabitants, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the economic heart of Vietnam. The city is surrounded by water. Located next to the Sai Gon River, it is built on a network of canals and small rivers, the majority of its land area is less than two meters above sea level. That makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. To make city living more manageable, the city government focused on urban improvements, flood-risk management, and institutional reforms to boost competitiveness and sustainability. Another urban challenge the city is facing is traffic congestion through a rapidly increasing number of motor bicycles and cars.
HCMC has a very high personal transportation market share: the personal vehicle (motorcycle and car) share of travel is over 90%. In response to this issue the city is developing a transportation strategy that aims to limit motor cycles and improves public transportation. One key project for urban development is the Vietnam Urban Upgrading Project, which ran from 2004 to 2014, nearly 100 poor areas in the city were improved, benefiting about 250,000 households. Houses now have access to the water supply, drainage, electricity, and sanitation services. What used to be narrow, dirty and flooded alleys are now paved, wider, cleaner and safer. Ambulances and fire trucks can now access houses, children can play around the neighborhood, and residents can expand their businesses.
For further information, please HCMC Bao cao_English.