Hanoi has embarked on an ambitious mission to rejuvenate its four historic rivers – To Lich, Lu, Kim Nguu, and Set – with the goal of transforming the capital into a greener and cleaner city.
The To Lich River, considered the “eldest brother,” is undergoing a remarkable transformation, serving as a leading model for the others. However, the Lu River’s journey has not been as smooth.
A common sight along the To Lich River in recent weeks. Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper
The To Lich River: A Model for Revival
In 2019, Hanoi officially launched the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment System Project, primarily funded by Japan (over 84%), with the Hanoi Management Board of Investment and Construction Projects for Technical Infrastructure and Agriculture as the investor. The initial total investment was estimated at 16,290 billion VND (as reported by Hanoi Moi on August 19, 2025, the adjusted total investment by the Hanoi People’s Council is 11,196 billion VND, a reduction of nearly 5,100 billion VND from the initial estimate).
This mega-project consists of four main packages. Package 1 involves the construction of the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant in Thanh Tri district, undertaken by the JFE-TSK joint venture (Japan). On August 19, the project was inaugurated with a treatment capacity of up to 270,000 m³/day and night, which can be further increased if needed.
Package 2, the construction of the To Lich River’s enclosing sewer system and main sewer, has also been completed by Tekken (Japan). According to Lao Dong Newspaper, this package utilizes tunnel boring technology, with an underground sewer system 6-19 meters deep and diameters ranging from 600 to 2,200 mm, collecting all 245 discharge points along the To Lich River and directing them to Yen Xa.
As a result, all direct black wastewater discharges into the To Lich River have been cut off. Water from West Lake (another integrated solution accompanying this project) is replenished, ensuring the river remains clean.
The To Lich River downstream of the Thanh Liet weir, with a 0.5-meter difference compared to the upstream. Photo: Dan Viet.
Furthermore, since September 20, treated water from the plant has been discharged into the To Lich River. These water sources are retained at the Thanh Liet weir (near Quang Bridge) at a level of 3.5 meters. Currently, only the construction of a 2.5m x 2.5m concrete box culvert, 1.7km long, to convey treated water from the Yen Xa plant to the To Lich River remains, ensuring a steady flow of water day and night.
However, the Remaining Two Packages of the Mega-Project are Lagging
The Lu River, approximately 8km long, originates near Xa Dan Lake (former Dong Da district), passes under Truong Chinh Street, flows through part of the former Thanh Xuan district, and merges with the To Lich River just above Dau Bridge (Linh Dam area, former Hoang Mai district).
The confluence of the Lu River with the To Lich River. Image: Google Maps.
Package 3 of the over 16 trillion VND project involves constructing an enclosing sewer system for the Lu River with 34 wastewater collection wells. The winning bid for this package was over 637.9 billion VND, awarded to the joint venture of Khanh An Construction and Investment JSC (formerly An Xuan Thinh) and Song Da 9 JSC, starting construction in February 2020.
However, with only about 10% progress, according to Lao Dong Newspaper, the Project Management Board terminated the contract in late 2024, opting for a new tender and extending the deadline to 2027. As reported by An Ninh Thu Do Newspaper in June 2025, the project remains incomplete.
Package 4 involves building a sewer system for the Ha Dong area and several new urban areas. The total length of this package is 11,160 meters, with 71 large wells to collect wastewater and direct it to the Yen Xa Plant. The winning bid was 834.1 billion VND, awarded to the Khanh An – Song Da 9 joint venture.
According to Nhan Dan Newspaper in late 2024, the project was progressing slowly, with only 22% completion, and many construction sites were deserted, causing traffic congestion and frustration for commuters. The investor had requested JICA to terminate the contract to appoint a new contractor. This package is also determined to be completed by 2027.
Sources: An Ninh Thu Do, Nhan Dan, Lao Dong, Tuoi Tre
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