While Ho Chi Minh City has implemented a project at an estimated cost of VND744 billion (US$35 million) to clean the polluted Ba Bo Canal, the section between Thu Duc District and Thuan An District of Binh Duong Province is facing worsened conditions of water pollution, with untreated waste water flowing from industrial zones in the province.

     According to residents living in Binh Chieu Ward of Thu Duc District, soon after the Tet holidays when businesses in Binh Duong Province resumed their production, water pollution in the canal worsened as factories stealthily discharged waste water directly into the canal.

     Sai Gon Giai Phong reporter was present at the canal for the last two days and noticed foul smelling black colored water frothing along the water surface. Filthy household waste was also found blocking the water flow.

     Most worrisome was the fact that most people living around the canal were using this same water from wells in the area, as tap water was still not available for daily chores.

     Luong Thi Sau from the ward said that her well water was continuously foaming and giving a foul smell. All water containers had turned a rusty yellow color as a result. Over the last six years she has never seen fresh water as the color of water was always yellow.

     Hundreds of other households living in the ward are also compelled to use this dirty well water even though they know that it is polluted.

Who is responsible?

     The HCMC Department of Natural Resources and Environment has asked the Binh Duong Province to tackle businesses who are dumping waste water into the Ba Bo Canal.

     The province authorities claim they have already asked investors in the industrial zones (IZ) including Song Than 1 and 2 and Dong An to upgrade their waste water treatment system.

     The IZ investors have also been instructed to connect their waste water treatment systems to the IZ treatment system. However, the pollution caused by industrial waste water has not yet reduced.

     Huynh Thanh Nha, deputy head of the HCMC Environment Protection Department said that the department has conducted a survey and found that the canal pollution has worsened as per residents’ complaints.

     The public has raised their concern and maintains that the blame lies with the Binh Duong Province authorities and businesses. (Source: saigon-gpdaily.com.vn)