During heavy rains and high tides, a 74-year-old man in HCM City often picks up trash and clears sewer pipes. One day, when trying to collect garbage, he was swept away by water and almost lost his life.

The HCM City People's Committee has approved the cleanup of five canals full of litter and waste discharged by households living nearby.

The 2,900 canals and arroyos in HCM City serve transport and help regulate the waste water. However, it is difficult to find clear water in the canals now as most have been encroached on in different ways.

VietNamNet Bridge - Rivers and canals in the southwestern region are becoming depleted as they are not regularly dredged and cleared, and are encroached upon by people’s housing. 

 VietNamNet Bridge – The lives of the people of HCMC have gradually improved, but environmental pollution is still very serious, as shown through the following pictures of black canals in the center of the city.