Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City began renovations on the sidewalks around a popular downtown lake as part of a project to revamp the lake and its surrounding landscape.

The People’s Committee in District 3 initiated the renovation work on the sidewalks surrounding Ho Con Rua (Turtle Lake) on Friday morning.

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

It is a popular hangout spot for local residents, especially young people.

The project to revamp Turtle Lake includes two sub-projects, namely renovating the core of the lake and upgrading the sidewalks on Vo Van Tan, Pham Ngoc Thach, and Tran Cao Van Streets.

The core makeover will be carried out later by the Ho Chi Minh City Infrastructure Management Center.

The sidewalks around the lake are seriously degraded, causing difficulties and potential risks for pedestrians as well as affecting the cityscape, according to an official from the District 3 People’s Committee.

The administration will upgrade about 3,500 square meters of walkways, increase the green space to 2,900 square meters, and improve the drainage system.

Chairs will be installed, while electrical cabinets and manholes will be rearranged.

Following the facelift, the sidewalks will provide space for cultural and culinary activities, performances, and outdoor exhibitions.

The sidewalk renovation costs VND15 billion (US$653,000), funded by Sunny World Design and Management JSC.

The work is expected to be complete by September 2.

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