Authorities in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday celebrated the inauguration of a 3.6-hectare park, formerly a pollution-ridden waste transfer site, marking a significant transformation for the district.

The opening of the park, situated in the heart of the Vinh Loc residential area in Binh Tan District, gained added significance in that it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the district’s establishment.

Approved in 1999, the Vinh Loc residential area project designated approximately six hectares of land at the intersection of Street No. 8 and Binh Thanh Street for the creation of a green park, the largest of its kind in the district.

However, the green space component faced prolonged delays over two decades due to compensation and planning adjustment issues. 

Over that time, the designated area evolved into a significant waste transfer point, frequently contributing to pollution and raising concerns about compromised traffic safety, as reported by local residents.

Following eight months of concentrated construction efforts, the venue has been revitalized into a green, well-paved area, and been reinstated to its intended planning function as a green park.

Dat, whose three generations of family members have lived on Street No. 8, said that he had eagerly anticipated the transformation of the waste transfer point into a green haven.

Recalling the previous state of the area, Dat described it as a malodorous waste transfer point surrounded by fences. 

He shared his enthusiasm for the new park, foreseeing serious appreciation among local residents. 

“There will probably be more visitors [to the area],” Dat guessed.

Ngu, another local, also said he had been eagerly awaiting the new park’s inauguration. 

“I was very emotional when the four walls of the waste transfer point were demolished,” Ngu said. 

“It’s truly heartwarming that the community’s thoughts and opinions have been heard and recognized, bringing forth a clean, beautiful, and airy park, even though it took so long.”

Following the inauguration of the 3.6-hectare site, it is anticipated that another section will be allocated in December to facilitate the expansion of the park, according to Vu Chi Kien, deputy chairman of Binh Tan District. 

“The creation of the largest park in Binh Tan District caters to the needs of residents in the Vinh Loc residential area and the surrounding community,” Kien stated. 

“As the park takes shape, it will not only benefit Vinh Loc residents but also draw visitors from neighboring areas.”

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