Sidewalk renovation underway across HCMC

Sidewalks along major streets in downtown District 1, such as Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Binh Khiem, and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, are currently under renovation. Workers are removing old pavement and replacing it with durable granite stone surfaces. Improvements also include installing new curbs, upgrading drainage covers, and enhancing tree planters.

The sidewalk on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in HCMC's District 1 is under repair, March 13, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Minh

Near Ben Thanh Market, both sides of Nguyen Trung Truc Street are being renovated. The upgrades include granite paving, new curb installations, improved drainage covers, and fresh cement tile surrounds for tree planters.

Pham Quach Truong Giang, Director of District 1's Investment and Construction Project Management Board, said that 37 sidewalks in the district are undergoing renovations at a total cost exceeding VND355 billion (US$14.3 million).

He noted that the initiative aims to enhance the appearance of the city center, addressing deteriorating conditions of sidewalks built before 2010 that had negatively affected pedestrian safety and urban aesthetics.

In 2024, District 1 completed renovations on nine sidewalks at a cost of nearly VND49 billion ($1.98 million), funded by the public budget. To minimize disruption to residents and businesses, heavy construction such as excavation and concrete pouring primarily occurs at night, while daytime work focuses on curb installations and paving.

A woman walk on the sidewalk of Ly Tu Trong Street in HCMC's District 1, which is under renovation, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Anh

The outlying District 6 is conducting similar renovation efforts, focusing on beautifying the urban landscape in preparation for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification on April 30.

Nguyen Huy Thang, Vice Chairman of District 6, confirmed renovations on eight major streets, including Pham Van Chi, Van Than, Minh Phung, Nguyen Van Luong, Hau Giang, and An Duong Vuong, covering over 67,000 square meters with an investment of VND55 billion.

Officials from District 6 stated that the sidewalks, last upgraded between 10 to 15 years ago, had significantly deteriorated. These improvements will boost pedestrian safety, enhance urban aesthetics, and support nighttime economic activities.

Districts 3, Binh Thanh, and Phu Nhuan in the downtown area are also implementing maintenance and renovation projects on roads and alleyways. District 3 is renovating approximately 27 degraded alleys spanning nearly five kilometers, with investments totaling over VND19.5 billion.

All sidewalk and alley renovation projects are scheduled to be completed before the April 30 holiday this year.