The persistent problem of littering poses a significant challenge for District 1 Public Services Co. Ltd., the entity entrusted with the upkeep of cleanliness on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, with addressing littering incidents being the most difficult aspect of their responsibilities.

In order to deal with the excessive amount of trash improperly disposed of on this street, the company has implemented two separate shifts for sanitation workers each day, with additional assistance provided during holidays.

The firm also conducts a comprehensive wash and scrub of the footway every weekend.

“Despite our efforts, the waste generated in this area remains substantial,” said a representative of District 1 Public Services Co. Ltd..

“From Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to Bach Dang Wharf Park, more trash keeps appearing no matter how often we collect it.

“Our workers come up with a method to manage crowds on holidays and weekends by distributing plastic bags for everyone to carry their own trash.

“After the conclusion of shows and programs, [often organized on the walking street], it would be less of a hassle to gather the trash that has already been neatly put in the plastic bags.”

A widespread issue

According to statistics provided by District 1 Public Services Co. Ltd., they collect an average of ten to 20 metric tons of trash on Nguyen Hue every weekend.

Notably, the crowds gathering on the street and its surrounding areas, including Ham Nghi Street, Ton Duc Thang Street, and Vo Van Kiet Boulevard, during a fireworks show can generate up to 200 metric tons of garbage in a single night.

According to the People’s Committee of District 1, the number of visitors to the President Ho Chi Minh Statue, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Bach Dang Wharf, and Ba Son Bridge have been steadily increasing.

These landmarks typically attract around 2,000 visitors on weekdays and up to two or three times that number during holidays and weekends.

The upswing in visitors is the primary factor behind various urban and traffic issues. 

Visitors often resort to parking their vehicles on sidewalks or streets, prompted by a shortage of parking spaces or the inconvenience and high fees associated with available parking spaces located at a considerable distance.

Another unmet need for tourists and local visitors at these landmarks is food and beverage services, resulting in street vendors exploiting the situation and creating disorder by conducting their business illegally in the area. 

Moreover, the scarcity of seats prompts vistors to set up plastic chairs or mats for seating, entailing a decline in urban esthetics.

In addition to littering, Nguyen Hue also faces a situation with many people carelessly walking unmuzzled pets.

“When I let my four-year-old child down to walk [at the pedestrian street], he expressed a desire to run and jump a bit, but he was too frightened of several large and muscular foreign dogs roaming freely,” said Hoang Duong, a resident of Go Vap District.

“It’s difficult for me to feel confident about letting him down.”

Proposed resolutions

“I suggest the authorities of Ho Chi Minh City severely punish litterbugs,” said Dang Thu Dung, a 45-year-old resident of Phu Nhuan District.

“We should consider implementing regulations for visitors to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and possibly installing surveillance cameras.

“Shameful images of littering should be shared in newspapers and on social networks for effective education and deterrence. 

“Naturally, it is essential to promote awareness and ensure an adequate number of trash bins are available before enforcing stringent penalties.”

On the contrary, Yen Nhi, a 21-year-old resident of Binh Thanh District, expressed a more balanced perspective. 

According to Nhi, vendors are a familiar and cherished aspect of Ho Chi Minh City, and with more effective management, they can continue their business without causing disorder and a mess.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!