Resource information
Cities are vulnerable to many types of
shocks and stresses, including natural hazards like storms
and sea level rise, but also man-made ones like economic
transformation and rapid urbanization. These shocks and
stresses have the potential to bring city systems to a halt
and reverse years of socio-economic development gains.
Cities that are to grow and thrive in the future must take
steps to address these shocks and stresses. Simply put, a
resilient city is one that can adapt to these types of
changing conditions and withstand shocks while still
providing essential services to its residents. A resilient
city can keep moving toward its long-term goals despite the
challenges it meets along the way. The residents of Can Tho
are familiar with challenges the city is dealing with
chronic seasonal flooding, periodic flood disasters,
riverbank erosion, saltwater intrusion, possible land
subsidence, economic transition, and rapid urbanization. The
city is also aware of challenges that lay on the horizon
like sea level rise, a labor force that is unprepared for
high technology industry, and an urban population that
expects high-quality urban infrastructure and services from
its government. These challenges are
interlinked encroachment on canals and riverbeds increases
flood risk, while flooding and rampant growth impacts the
safety and quality of life in urban areas.
