On February 2, Ho Chi Minh City officially relaunched its long-delayed $400 million tide control project by putting the Ben Nghe sluice into operation. The milestone marks a major step in the city’s first-phase flood mitigation effort, formally known as the “Tidal Flood Control Project with Climate Change Considerations – Phase 1.”

The event was organized by the HCMC People’s Committee in coordination with Trungnam Group, the project’s main investor.

94% completion, full launch promised by 2026

Speaking at the ceremony, Trungnam Group CEO Nguyen Tam Tien announced that the project is now 94% complete. Key structures are finished, and the remaining work involves final checks, system adjustments, and trial operations.

He acknowledged that the years-long delay caused disruption and frustration for residents, and publicly apologized for the extended timeline.

“We commit that no new obstacles will delay this project any further. Full operations are guaranteed by 2026,” he emphasized.

To expedite final stages, Trungnam requested the city accelerate its financial obligations, particularly by allocating additional land assets to help fund remaining construction.

The company also proposed an unprecedented request: to be allowed to operate the project during its first five years. Tien explained this would ensure consistent operation, real-time response to technical issues, and optimization of water regulation procedures. In return, Trungnam offered to extend the warranty period to guarantee the system’s reliability.

Government support clears legal bottlenecks

HCMC Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong confirmed that key legal hurdles were resolved following the issuance of Government Resolution 212 and strong city leadership.

The city reapproved the project’s investment plan in November 2025 and signed a contract addendum, legally enabling Trungnam to resume work in December 2025.

“This morning marks the first tangible result from more than two months of resumed construction, with Ben Nghe – the first of six major sluices – now operational,” Cuong said.

He also pledged that the city would fast-track land clearance, credit agreement negotiations, and capital mobilization to complete the entire system.

Relevant departments have been instructed to support investors on all fronts - especially regarding the remaining five sluices: Tan Thuan, Phu Xuan, Muong Chuoi, Cay Kho, and Phu Dinh.

The Vice Chairman reaffirmed that the project is on track for full completion in 2026, with components put into use as they are finalized.

Expanding impact in phase two

Cuong also revealed that the city is now reviewing plans for a second phase of the tide control project, aimed at scaling the system for long-term climate resilience and overall urban flood protection.

This renewed commitment places the project back among Vietnam’s most ambitious infrastructure efforts designed to adapt to rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and the demands of a growing metropolis.

Tuan Kiet