Da Nang restores order on sidewalks.

DNO - After more than a week of implementing measures to restore order on sidewalks, Da Nang city has recorded positive changes in urban aesthetics and community living habits. However, this is only the first step, requiring regular maintenance by functional forces at the grassroots level to ensure sustainable effectiveness.

The chaotic parking and vending situation on Dong Da street before the campaign to restore order.

Necessary implementations

Mr. Phan Thuc, the owner of a grocery store on Le Do Street (Thanh Khe Ward), said that his family has been involved in small-scale trading for many years. Previously, the encroachment of surrounding shops on the sidewalk made business difficult, forcing his family to display their goods outside as well.

"Now that there's a plan to reorganize, we're very happy because everyone can sell their goods neatly inside their houses, which is more convenient for business and makes it easier for customers to stop and buy," Mr. Thuc shared.

Mr. Phan Thuc's opinion reflects the common sentiment of many businesses along Le Do Street, a high-traffic route. With narrow sidewalks, less than 2 meters wide, displaying goods for sale is very difficult. Furthermore, the previous encroachment on sidewalks and roads was also a major cause of localized traffic congestion.

Previously, some restaurants and cafes frequently placed tables and chairs on the sidewalks, obstructing pedestrian access. Therefore, even though it was only the first week of implementation, Le Do Street is more orderly, with clear walkways on both sides of the sidewalks and the problem of goods spilling out everywhere has been eliminated.

According to Ho Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Khe Ward People's Committee, Le Do Street is one of 13 streets selected by the locality to implement the plan to restore urban order and aesthetics as directed by the city.

The entire area has nearly 200 streets, of which more than 70 are densely populated, have high traffic volume, and complex business conditions. Therefore, the ward leaders decided to implement the plan step by step, following a clear roadmap to achieve effective security and improve the aesthetics of the area.

According to the plan of the Thanh Khe Ward People's Committee, the urban order and aesthetics improvement will be implemented according to a specific roadmap. In the first phase, before March 31st, the local authorities will conduct an investigation and review of the current situation, intensify propaganda efforts, and simultaneously paint lines on the sidewalks of main roads, and arrange designated collection points for waste disposal.

Before April 15th, local authorities encouraged residents to comply with urban regulations, voluntarily dismantle illegal structures encroaching on roads and sidewalks, and arrange vehicles on sidewalks according to regulations.

Phase 2, before May 30th, involves a comprehensive inspection and handling of violations related to urban order and aesthetics. Phase 3, agencies and units will maintain patrols, inspections, and enforcement of violations; organize and implement preventive measures to prevent violations from recurring.

"With a clear roadmap and decisive step-by-step implementation, the overall plan will be ensured, thereby contributing to restoring urban order and aesthetics, and effectively addressing long-standing violations to prevent recurrence," Mr. Ho Van Dung shared.

The sidewalks on Ly Thai To Street (Thanh Khe Ward) are now spacious again.

Multiple solutions are needed simultaneously.

Mr. Nguyen Van Duy, Chairman of the Hai Chau Ward People's Committee, said that the methods being implemented in Thanh Khe are also the direction that Hai Chau Ward and many other key areas of Da Nang are applying in restoring order to sidewalks.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duy, to achieve clear goals, decisive action plans are needed and must be implemented to the end.

On the positive side, as soon as the rectification campaign was launched, public support increased significantly. Many sidewalks, especially in central areas, had long been encroached upon by businesses. In some places, there were even barriers, parked vehicles, and objects placed that obstructed public access.

When authorities requested the removal of the tables and chairs and the restoration of sidewalk space, the end of the indiscriminate placement of tables and chairs by street vendors received public support.

However, the issue is that restoring order to sidewalks could affect the livelihoods of a segment of the population who depend on this space for their income.

According to Mr. Ho Van Dung, local authorities should prioritize mobilization and propaganda, while also strengthening dialogue to listen to people's opinions. Based on this, they should develop appropriate solutions that harmonize urban management goals with ensuring the legitimate rights of the people.

In Thanh Khe ward, the local authorities previously relocated vendors from the sidewalks of Le Duan Street to the Hai Phong Street food court. However, due to recent changes, this area has become problematic and a hot spot for vendors.

Therefore, the ward is encouraging residents to switch to takeaway sales instead of on-site dining, while also planning a more suitable business zone in the future to stabilize their livelihoods.

Not only Thanh Khe, but other areas with concentrated commercial activities throughout the city will also be studied and reorganized in a similar manner. The goal is to resolutely restore urban discipline and order while ensuring livelihoods for the people.

For sidewalk order to become more than just a temporary campaign, but a sustainable way of life, the core issue lies not only in the government's decisive action, but also in finding a harmonious balance between urban discipline and livelihoods – where every policy decision must place people at the center.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/da-nang-tai-lap-trat-tu-via-he-3332212.html