VietNamNet Bridge - To protect the famous historical site Cu Chi Tunnels, which is at risk of serious erosion, Ho Chi Minh City has decided to build embankments at the cost of VND155 billion (nearly $7.5 million).

The embankments will extend from the district of Trang Bang in Tay Ninh province to the end of the relic site in HCM City. This will be done to prevent expanding erosion that may directly damage the Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh Temples, part of the site.

The total length will be 2.3km in the first phase of construction. In the second phase, over 1.5km of embankment from Cu Chi Tunnels to Ben Suc will be built.

The city government has stressed that this is an urgent project.

Early this year, HCM City officials made a field trip at the Cu Chi Tunnels and observed the severe situation of landslides and erosion in the bordering area between Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh, which is a major threat to the relic site.

The complex of tunnels was formed between 1946 and 1948 during the resistance war against French aggression.

During the Vietnam War, the tunnels, built on the so-called “Iron Land” in Southern Vietnam, were used as hospitals, communication and supply routes, and living quarters for Vietnamese soldiers.

The tunnels, dug deep underground, can withstand destructive bombs. Air is taken in through tunnel vents. The different areas of the system can be isolated when necessary.

The system comprises three floors, with the first 3m deep and able to resist artillery, tanks and armored vehicles. The second floor is 5m deep and able to resist small bombs. The ground floor is 8-10m deep.

The complex has been preserved as a war memorial and a tourist destination.

CNN last year listed Cu Chi Tunnels as one of the world’s top underground tourist attractions.

T. Van