Authorities in Can Tho have decided to postpone the trial opening of a pedestrian street in Ninh Kieu District, the first of its kind in the Mekong Delta city, amid growing concerns over extreme COVID-19 outbreaks in countries throughout Southeast Asia.  

The opening of the promenade on Hai Ba Trung Street along Ninh Kieu Wharf, a top tourist attraction in Can Tho, was initially scheduled for this Saturday but it has since been postponed until further notice.

The pilot program for the street involved opening the area between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm every Saturday, Nguyen Ngoc Anh, deputy chairman of Ninh Kieu District, said at a press conference on Monday.

However, just one day after the press conference, Anh announced that the street opening would be postponed until further notice.

“As the COVID-19 situation remains complicated, we must actively prevent infections and ensure the health of people and visitors,” Anh said.

According to the original plan, the street would be divided into three areas - shopping and dining services, traditional space, and folk games and cultural shows. 

The businesses that operate within each of these three areas are expected to boost Can Tho’s tourism industry, attract investment into the district, and open up opportunities for the rapid development of local commercial industries and travel services.

Eleven nearby areas have been designated as free parking lots for visitors to the street during its operating hours.

Recently, local authorities also announced plans to work with business households to ensure they operate in line with the purpose of the pedestrian street.

The district will review the pedestrian steet’s effectiveness after the pilot phase before putting it into full operation.

At least five enterprises have put forward proposals to become the street’s operator after the pilot phase, according to Anh. 

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