While several sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City have once again become crowded by illegal occupancy, despite local authorities' recent efforts, some have remained clear and more pedestrian-friendly.

According to the People’s Committee in District 1, about 116 out of 134 streets where the campaign was put into effect, accounting for 86 percent, have been positively impacted.

The majority of local businesses have been willing to keep their operations from encroaching on public space without the use of force by authorities, Tran The Thuan, chairman of District 1, said, adding that the number of violations had also dropped significantly.

In District 10, 3 Thang 2 is among the routes to have experienced the most positive results.

According to observations by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters on July 31, sidewalks on both sides of the street remained spacious enough for pedestrians to walk on.

Most businesses have kept their activities from encroaching on promenades and have been parking motorbikes within the legitimate section of the footpaths even during their busiest times of the day.

Similar results can also be noticed along Kinh Duong Vuong, Ten Lua Streets in Binh Tan District, Pham Van Dong Street in Thu Duc and Binh Thanh Districts, Tran Nao Street in District 2, and Phan Xich Long Street in Phu Nhuan District.

“Local residents have become more aware of keeping order on sidewalks and roadways. Further efforts will be exerted to maintain the positive changes and solve existing problems in other areas,” said Gia Thai Binh, vice-chairman of the Binh Tan District administration.

Leaders of ward-level administrations are responsible for dealing with sidewalk occupancy in their respective neighborhoods, Tran Van Dung, chairman of the People’s Committee in Thu Duc, said, adding that their ability will be reviewed if their goals are not met.

There are four areas in which the illegal occupancy of promenades must be sternly punished, said Tran Vinh Tuyen, vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.

The first type includes venues that compromise traffic safety such as makeshift markets and other business operations, Tuyen elaborated.

The second consists of beer bars that invade the public space and create a negative effect on urban aesthetics.

The third type of area was referred to as vending activities that cause disorder and compromise public hygiene.

The final type is parking lots on footpaths, the official said.

The authorities will collect feedback from citizens regarding the sidewalk clearing campaign and establish a detailed plan for residents to adapt to the changes, Tuyen stated.

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