The International University Township (Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 22 km from the city center) is a massive urban development project. The site is strategically located near National Highway 22 (Trans-Asian Highway) and Dang Cong Binh Street (Thanh Nien Street). It is also completely surrounded by a network of canals, providing natural boundaries on all sides: the An Ha Canal to the southeast, the Ran Long An and Canal 8 to the west and southwest, and the Xang Canal to the north.
Spanning an impressive 880 hectares (8.8 square kilometers, larger than Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 at 7.7 square kilometers), this project boasts a total investment of VND 59,000 billion. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee approved the investment license for Berjaya Vietnam to develop this project back in 2008. The aerial view showcases the vast area earmarked for this ambitious undertaking.
According to the planned timeline, construction on the various components of the project was expected to take place between the first quarter of 2024 and December 2027. However, as of August 2024, there are no visible signs of construction activity, even though more than 15 years have passed since the project’s approval.
The majority of the land earmarked for this project lies abandoned and neglected. The area is characterized by overgrown vegetation and remnants of demolished houses. According to a local resident, these houses were compensated, and the owners relocated to make way for the project’s development.
Amidst the abandoned houses, a few families still cling to their homes within the project’s boundaries. Ms. Anh (36 years old, a hired farmer) shared: “My family has lived here for 18 years. Even though the project has been planned for a long time, the local authorities have asked us to relocate multiple times. However, as the rice harvest season is not over yet, we have no choice but to stay.”
Within the project site, there are still some rice fields and temporary houses that could be removed at any moment.
The dirt road encircling the International University Township project is in a state of disrepair, with some sections showing signs of deterioration. Additionally, there appears to be a broken power line hanging low over the road.
In addition to the circular road, the project site is also bordered by the Xa and An Ha canals. In the photo, the development area for the International University Township project is on the right, and the canal in the middle is the An Ha Canal.
The master plan for the International University Township project envisions a population of over 64,000 residents. The land use plan includes various types of housing, such as residential areas, high-rise apartments, social housing, and villas. Additionally, more than 298 hectares of land are allocated for the development of a university town and student accommodation.
Upon completion, the project is expected to transform the area into a modern township with international-standard learning and working environments. It is also anticipated to accelerate the formation of the Northwest Urban Area, spanning 6,000 hectares (60 square kilometers) in size.
