Many lakes and canals in Vinh city are dyed black by wastewater and sludge.

Currently, in Vinh city, there are 13 lakes and canals, with a total water surface area of ​​83.3 hectares. The lakes and canals were built over different periods of time, associated with the implementation of investment projects in the area. Photo: Thanh Cuong

According to the Report dated December 7, 2022 of Vinh City People's Committee, these lakes and canals are divided into 2 groups, including: Group of lakes managed by enterprises and group of lakes managed by the State. State-managed lakes are invested in and built with budget capital, the City People's Committee hands over assets to Vinh Urban Infrastructure Management and Development Joint Stock Company for management and operation in conjunction with the city's drainage system (except Goong Lake, Central Park Lake, Vinh Tan Lake, Tecco Lake and Cua Nam Fish Lake). Photo: Thanh Cuong

According to this report, currently, lakes and canals in Vinh city have not been assigned to any department, office or unit for comprehensive management, only to Vinh Urban Infrastructure Management and Development Joint Stock Company. The management items are mainly related to the operation of the drainage system... Specialized departments advise on management and handling according to each related field. Photo: Thanh Cuong

According to the design, all lakes and canals are built with surrounding sewer systems and separation wells to collect wastewater and lead it to the centralized wastewater treatment plant in Hung Hoa commune for treatment such as: North canal, Citadel moat, Northeast lake, Central Park lake, Vinh Tan lake, Southeast Pumping Station reservoir... Photo: Thanh Cuong

The main function of lakes and canals is to drain water during rain, regulate the climate and create environmental landscape. However, in reality, a large amount of wastewater flows into lakes and canals, causing environmental pollution and loss of urban beauty. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Photo taken at the North Canal on the morning of February 7. Photo: Thanh Cuong

In addition, the management of lakes and canals by the management unit is not comprehensive, and does not pay attention to investment, renovation, upgrading of degraded infrastructure, waste collection and treatment, environmental treatment, periodic dredging, tree care, etc. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Photo taken at Vinh Citadel moat (Cua Nam ward) on the morning of February 7. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The main reason is due to the existence and limitations in the design and construction of technical infrastructure for wastewater collection; Wastewater has not been thoroughly collected, and at some times it still flows into lakes and canals; Some lakes and canals have wastewater flowing directly into them without going through separation wells, causing environmental pollution and loss of urban beauty. Photo: Thanh Cuong

On the other hand, the water in the lake and canal is rainwater mixed with wastewater, stagnant for a long time without circulation, after heavy rains, mud from the canal system flows into the lake causing sedimentation, while dredging work has not been done regularly, some lakes have not been dredged at all since they started operating. In the photo is the current situation of wastewater overflowing into the lake, flooding the baffle, and the pollution status of the Ben Thuy Pumping Station reservoir taken on the morning of February 7. Photo: Thanh Cuong