A major feature of Saigon’s recent urban development has been the implementation of major infrastructure projects including upgrading canals across the city.
The first major project, predominantly funded by the World Bank, was implemented along the Nhiêu Lộc - Thị Nghè canal. Another prominent endeavor, the construction of the Võ Văn Kiệt Highway and the dredging of the adjacent canal, was funded by Japanese donor organizations.
Michael Waibel, editor of the TP. Hồ Chí Minh: MEGA City photo book, first took photos of those areas in 2005 and has revisited the area regular basis over the past decade.
Related Articles:
- [Photos] Changes Over Time: Saigon's Canals (2003 - 2014) Part I
- [Photos] Changes Over Time: Saigon's Canals (2002 - 2014) Part II
- [Photos] Changes to Saigon’s Skyline (2003-2013)
These photos show a tremendous number of physical upgrades that include urban changes along the waterways; massive reinforcement of canal walls; the erection of green areas that serve as public spaces and the widespread demolition of marginal settlements in the course of redevelopment.
Some of the photos shown will be included in the planned November release of the second edition of TP. Hồ Chí Minh: MEGA City. The photos from 2014 were taken by Henning Hilbert, co-editor of the book. The first edition of the book is still available at HCMC Artbook book shops. To order a copy directly, please contact info@saigoneer.com.
