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The idea, proposed by a consortium of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global) and the L'institut Paris Region (IPR), is part of a city research project aiming towards the "comprehensive development of the corridors of the Saigon River."
The consortium reported that the Saigon River section running through HCMC has is home to several different natural environments. As such, the consortium recommends splitting it into four areas for development, based on each area’s strengths and signature characteristics. The garden islands are expected to be constructed in the fourth area, which includes the core intersection between District 1 and Thu Thiem.
These garden islands would be temporary stops connected to land by footbridges. The consortium said the islands could either be fixed in place or allowed to float, in areas with slow water flow and where impacts on waterway vessels would be minimal. There can be businesses and entertainment activities on the islands, such as cafes, restaurants or swimming pools.
The consortium also proposed a multi-purpose complex in the fourth area of the river section.
In particular, the plan suggests that the Khanh Hoi port area in District 4 become an entertainment area.
The Tan Thuan area in District 7 could become an innovation center and manufacturer of green technologies, according to the report.
The consortium also recommended that the Saigon River section running through District 7 and Nha Be District become a conservation area.
Aside from the section running through downtown, the consortium suggested the creation of parks in the other areas.
The Saigon River, spanning 256 km, has an 80-km section running through HCMC. However, developments along the river have been mostly haphazard, and the consortium’s plan aims to coordinate efforts along the river for the socio-economic development of the city and river as a whole.
HCMC is making adjustments to its general roadmap through 2040, with the Saigon River being regarded as a new centerpiece of future planning.
In June last year, secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen and his entourage visited the Seine River in France to study on how the areas along the iconic river have been successfully developed over time.
