The discussion focused on the Tham Luong - Ben Cat Basin Drainage and Climate Adaptation Project (CRUS 1) and the West Saigon Basin Drainage and Climate Adaptation Project (CRUS 2). Participants also explored potential cooperation between HCM City with Milan, Italy, on environmental and climate initiatives.

ADB Vietnam Deputy Country Director Ron H. Slangen emphasised the importance of CRUS 1 and CRUS 2 in improving Ho Chi Minh City's drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Key components include tidal gates at Vam Thuat and Nuoc Len, main and branch wastewater collection pipelines in Go Vap District, and a combined drainage system in Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, and parts of District 12, he noted. Upon completion, the projects are expected to reduce flooding and water pollution.

Slangen urged the city to expedite both projects and reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to future investment. He also proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ho Chi Minh City in 2025.

For his part, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong thanked ADB for its support, highlighting the bank’s role in funding and providing expertise.

He affirmed that CRUS 1 and CRUS 2 are prioritised in the city’s 2024-2025 Flood Prevention and Wastewater Treatment Programme, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025.

CRUS 1 has a total investment of US$352 million, with US$227 million financed by ADB and US$119 million from the city’s budget. The project aims to channel wastewater to the Tham Luong - Ben Cat Treatment Plant, with a capacity of up to 250,000 cubic metres per day.

CRUS 2, valued at US$350 million, will develop drainage and wastewater systems across five districts: 12, Go Vap, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and Binh Tan. ADB is providing US$236 million, with the remainder funded by the city.

Both projects have completed feasibility studies and are awaiting approval from the Prime Minister, Cuong said.

Regarding the potential collaboration with Milan, the official noted the Italian city’s economic and industrial similarities with Ho Chi Minh City. He expressed his belief that strengthened ties, with ADB as a facilitator, will enhance Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership.

ADB helps Vietnam improve climate resilience of infrastructure for ethnic minorities

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$60 million financing package to improve the climate resilience of transport and water supply infrastructure in south-central coastal provinces of Binh Dinh and Quang Nam, especially in remote upland districts with large ethnic minority communities.