HCMC’s Turtle Lake to be paved with granite

The estimated VND50 billion ($2.17 million) cost would be raised from private sources, they said in a proposal sent to the city People’s Committee on Tuesday.

Trees will be planted on the sidewalks. The work is expected to start in July and completed by the end of this year. They said the sidewalk was built more than 10 years ago and shows signs of deterioration.

In November last year District 3 authorities proposed to turn Turtle Lake, a popular hangout for young Saigonese into a well-maintained pedestrian square. But they have not disclosed details about which streets will be off-limits to vehicles or at what hours.

The 19,500-square-meter area would have a culture-exhibition area, art performances and food and entertainment.

Turtle Lake forms a giant roundabout at the intersection of Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Cao Van and Vo Van Tan streets, and around it are a slew of restaurants, bars and cafes, making it a busy area from morning to night.

The city currently has three walking-only areas, with the latest coming up near Quang Trung Monument in District 10 late last year.

Nguyen Hue Street has a pedestrians-only strip down its middle while Bui Vien Street becomes off-limits to vehicles during weekends.