Authorities in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang are planning to open more paths leading to local beaches following the mushrooming of resorts along the waterfront.

After years of attracting investment into the local tourist sector by allowing the mass construction of resorts and hotels, leaders of the central hub are taking firm measures to ensure that all residents are able enjoy the city’s beaches.

Many paths leading to Da Nang’s public beaches have been blocked by the construction and operation of tourist facilities, an aching issue causing angst amongst the local population.

According to Le Thi Tam, a resident of Ho Xuan Huong Street in Ngu Hanh Son District, since the 1980s, the beachfront view of her house has become extremely limited after the construction of three resorts.

“We also lost our access to the beach. We now have to ride a long distance to get to the sea,” Tam elaborated.

The construction of the Nam O Eco Resort in Lien Chieu District also created a similar problem for local residents, who now must ask permission from security guards at the construction site to enter the beach.

Currently, a series of resort projects are under construction along a 10 kilometer stretch of seafront between Da Nang and neighboring Quang Nam Province.

Fences have been erected surrounding the construction sites, blocking almost all beach access.

A beach in Da Nang City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The municipal People’s Council has listed the efforts to reclaim access to beaches for local residents amongst its current priorities.

A public path to the beach is expected to be opened between Furama Resort and Ariyanan project in Ngu Hanh Son District within the third quarter of this year.

Competent authorities will also negotiate with developers of other projects in the city to establish access to local beaches.

Results of the negotiation will be reported in the upcoming meeting of the People’s Council, which is scheduled for the middle of the year.

Developers of a project said they are willing to follow the direction of local authorities regarding the establishment of public paths to the beach.

Truong Quang Nghia, secretary of the municipal Party Committee, stressed that beaches belong to the public, in accordance with the law of the sea.

The plan is possible given the determination of local authorities and the support of businesses, Nghia said.

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