Authorities in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening launched an extensive crackdown on sidewalk encroachment to restore order to the district's promenades, focusing on Nguyen Gia Tri and Van Kiep Street.

At around 9:00 pm, a team of 12 urban order management officers patrolled Van Kiep Street in Ward 1. 

During the operation, many eateries were asked to remove their tables, chairs, and stalls from the sidewalks to clear the way for pedestrians. 

Several were booked and pledged not to repeat their offenses.

While most establishments showed a positive response, a few encroached on the sidewalks after the officers had left. 

A similar situation unfolded on Nguyen Gia Tri Street in Ward 25. Despite initial compliance with the order, many eateries once again occupied the sidewalks after the patrol team departed. 

Many motorbikes were parked on the sidewalk, further obstructing traffic.

Minh Dung, a 30-year-old resident of Binh Thanh District, threw support behind the authorities’ efforts to reclaim the sidewalks for pedestrians.

“The sidewalks are wide, but [the eateries] set up tables and chairs on the promenades while using part of the space for customer parking. Meanwhile, Nguyen Gia Tri Street gets very crowded at night,” he said with frustration.

“The sidewalks were clear of tables and motorcycles when officers came. However, thirty minutes later, street coffee shops and eateries set up tables and chairs again, selling as if nothing had happened,” recounted T.M., a 25-year-old local.

According to reports by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, several streets in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Nguyen Gia Tri, Van Kiep, Pham Van Dong, and Nguyen Hong in Binh Thanh District; Nguyen Thai Son, Le Quang Dinh, Pham Van Dong, and Nguyen Kiem in Go Vap District; and several others in District 5 and District 10 are suffering widespread sidewalk encroachment for vending, parking, or other commercial activities, forcing pedestrians onto the streets, creating serious traffic hazards.

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