Keeping Hanoi green through unsung work

Having worked in the field for 14 years, Pham Thanh Trung has braved the sun and wind to collect rubbish and dredge lakes, helping protect the capital's environment. In recognition of his contributions, he was nominated for the title of “Outstanding Citizen of the Capital 2026”. Photo: Phan Phuong - VNA

Pham Thanh Trung's initiative to develop a mobile rotating bridge for installing and removing pumps and operating sluice gates helps streamline work and improve operational efficiency across Hanoi's drainage system. Photo: Phan Phuong - VNA

Pham Thanh Trung operates an automatic aeration system that adds oxygen to the water, applying a technological innovation to improve work efficiency and help preserve the lake environment. Photo: Phan Phuong - VNA

By maintaining and caring for floating aquatic plant rafts on the lake, Pham Thanh Trung and fellow Hanoi drainage workers help improve water quality and enhance the capital's urban landscape. Photo: Phan Phuong - VNA

Keeping Hanoi green through unsung work

09/10/2026 09:51 GMT+

Amid the vibrant, fast-paced life of the capital, drainage workers quietly carry out their duties day and night around lakes, canals, drainage systems and public spaces to maintain the urban environment. Among these unsung workers is Pham Thanh Trung (born in 1982), an employee of the Lake Management and Maintenance Enterprise under Hanoi Drainage One Member Limited Liability Company. Alongside other “green-uniformed soldiers” of the city's drainage system, he regularly collects rubbish, cleans and dredges waterways, and maintains lake surfaces, helping keep the lakes clean, create green and refreshing spaces, and improve the city's appearance. Their work makes a practical contribution to keeping the capital green, clean and beautiful. In 2026, Pham Thanh Trung was nominated for the title of “Outstanding Citizen of the Capital”. Photo: Phan Phuong - VNA