For years, locals have suffered from the putrid stench of Nuoc Den Canal which runs through Tan Phu and Binh Tan districts.

The households in Residential Area 5 are hardest hit as they are located at the nexus where the Nuoc Den Canal joins with two other polluted waterways, 19/5 and Tham Luong.

The pollution in the canals is attributed to waste dumping from Tan Binh Industrial Park, several dye and recycled plastic factories, and other residential areas.

As the three canals are located far away from major rivers, the polluted contents in the water simply flow back and forth in the waterway. Local residents say they have not seen clear water flow for the past 10 years.

After each heavy rain, wastewater from the polluted canals floods into residents' homes.

According to Binh Hung Hoa A Ward People's Committee, only 12% of the 15,000 local residents currently receive clean water.

Underground water drawn through wells the main water source for the ward's residents has low pH levels and carries a strange odor according to a recent test conducted by the municipal Department of Health.

Nguyen Thi Nguyet, a resident in the affected neighbourhood, said many local women had suffered gynecological diseases due to the contaminated water.

Cho Lon Water Supply Company, which at present is working to install water metres in some districts across the city, aims to supply clean water to 90% of the families in Binh Tan District by 2010.

The company plans to ensure all Binh Hung Hoa A Ward residents will be supplied with clean water by this coming Tet holiday.

But cleaning up the polluted canals is still a matter left untouched by the local administration.

Thanh Nien News - September 15, 2008