VietNamNet Bridge – Seven unused water towers in HCM City will be demolished, according to the municipal water supply authority.

A mushroom-shaped water tower in Hoang Dieu Street will be removed. — Photo: VNE

Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco) plans to demolish seven of eight mushroom-shaped water towers unused for more than 45 years.

The decision was made to save people from possible accidents that can be caused by the dangerous structures.

The seven towers are located on the streets of Le Dai Hanh, 3 Tháng 2, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Van Dau, Ho Van Hue, Pham Phu Thu and Hoang Dieu.

The water tower near Ho Con Rua (Turtle Lake) in District 1 is the only one that will not be destroyed.

After the removal of the towers, underground water reservoirs will be built in the area to supply water safely for firefighting and to allow chloride filling stations to improve the quality of water sources, Sawaco said.

More than 100 old water towers in HCM City remain unused and are crumbling, threatening the safety of nearby residents. According to the city’s statistics, at least 103 water towers were built before 1975.

The water towers are large elevated containers, constructed to store water at sufficient height to provide enough pressure for the water distribution system. The water towers were also intended to be used as water reservoirs during times of peak demand. But none of the above purposes are being met by the towers at present.

According to the city’s construction department, most of these towers have been lying unused for decades and are weather-beaten and dilapidated. Some of them, especially those built during the French colonial period, have collapsed suddenly in densely populated areas.

VNS