The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has submitted to the municipal administration a VND50 billion (US$2.1 million) plan to renovate Ho Con Rua (Turtle Lake), a popular destination in the city’s downtown area.

Ho Con Rua is an informal name given to an artificial lake that lies at the heart of a traffic circle bounded by three streets in District 3, namely Vo Van Tan, Pham Ngoc Thach, and Tran Cao Van.

It is among the popular hangout spots of local residents, especially young people.

The Ho Con Rua Park covers an area of more than 3,840 square meters, including a 2,300-square-meter lake, 937-square-meter walkway, and 617-square-meter green space, according to the construction department.

The landscape of the lake has deteriorated considerably, with visitors often comparing it to an empty pond, while the walkway has also been damaged, the department stated, adding that the green space there remains underdeveloped.

The renovation plan includes improving the lake’s waterproofing capacity, adding a water fountain system in the lake, fixing the walkway, replacing the current lighting system with lamp posts, installing decorative lights, and planting more trees.

The revamp will cost approximately VND50 billion, which will be funded by the private sector.

The makeover of Ho Con Rua is part of a project to give a facelift to the surrounding streets.

In late January, the municipal People’s Committee approved the District 3 administration’s proposal to upgrade the sidewalks in the area around Ho Con Rua.

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