The administration of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City has earmarked VND220 billion (US$8.9 million) for a project repairing damaged sidewalks and widening alleyways in the 2024-25 period.

The district is processing procedures for the sidewalk repair work and collecting fees from those using parts of the sidewalks and roadways for non-commuting purposes starting from next year, Pham Quach Truong Giang, head of the District 1 management authority for project investment and development, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday.

A large number of sidewalks across this central business district have deteriorated, with several sections getting their paving bricks damaged, making life uncomfortable for pedestrians, the official said.

The District 1 administration, therefore, planned to launch the project to renovate 12 sidewalks, 64 alleyways and road sections across 10 wards between 2024 and 2025.

In this project, the district would upgrade sidewalks using granite, strengthen road foundations, install a new water drainage system, and undertake various other enhancements at an estimated cost of VND220 billion.

The district administration also asked the 10 wards to check and make a list of streets whose sidewalk sections are eligible for serving non-commuting purposes.

The results showed that sidewalk sections along 85 streets in the district meet the requirement to be converted into free parking lots for motorcyclists.

Sidewalk segments along 54 additional streets have the potential to accommodate commercial services, while those along 16 others are well-suited for the implementation of paid parking services.

The District 1 urban management authority will be responsible for charging fees for the use of sidewalks and roadways, following guidelines from the municipal Department of Transport.

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