The central Thua Thien - Hue Province has plans to dredge Huong River in an attempt to increase the draining capacity of the river.

Severe flooding in Hue City is blamed on dunes deposited in the local Huong River. 

According to the province People’s Committee, there have been many dune deposits on the bed of the river section running across the province’s municipal Hue City, hindering the flow of the river.

Submerged dunes have reduced the drainage of the river, partly contributing to the flooding of the city during rainy season, the committee said. The dunes also blocked the entrance of boats carrying visitors in and out of several landscapes located along the river.

The committee has set up a project for dredging work at the entrance of An Cuu Canal, entrance and exit areas of Đông Ba Canal, and in the area in front of Thuong Bac Park. The canals are branches originating from the river mainstream.

The three-year project will involve dredging work on a total area of 5.5ha, using US$0.5 million from the local budget, and with contribution from the private sector.

In recent years, the city of Hue experienced severe flooding after heavy rains, which the committee blamed on the dunes deposited in the river for blocking the exit into the river of the urban rainwater culvert system.

Travel agents who run water services reported the hollow entrance in the river section across the city.

The committee expects this issue will be solved after the dredging project is completed so the city can regain its tourism fame. — VNS