In 2023, Ho Chi Minh City implemented a policy allowing the temporary use of a portion of the road and sidewalk for a fee, according to Decision 32 of the City People's Committee, creating a legal basis for exploiting sidewalks for business and daily life activities. However, from January 1, 2025, Government Decree 165 clearly stipulates the cases permitted for temporary use of roads and sidewalks for other purposes, excluding normal business and trading activities. Therefore, the city has temporarily suspended granting new sidewalk business permits to develop a new, appropriate management plan. This change has caused concern among many businesses and workers on the sidewalks, creating an urgent need for a long-term management plan that harmonizes urban order and the needs of the people.

Authorities in Nha Be commune, Ho Chi Minh City, are raising awareness and encouraging residents not to occupy sidewalks for commercial purposes.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, who has been selling noodle soup on the sidewalk of Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Dien Hong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City for over 20 years, shared: “We understand that cleaning up the sidewalks is necessary to make the city more civilized, clean, and beautiful. But for many poor laborers who cannot afford to rent a space, the sidewalk has been their only place to earn a living, raise their children, and make ends meet for many years. Now that management is being tightened, everyone is worried that the coming days will be very difficult.”

Sharing his perspective on this issue, Mr. Vo Anh Vu, lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, said that the issue of sidewalks should not only be viewed as a matter of restoring urban order, but also needs to be considered in relation to livelihoods, daily life, and the public space structure of the city.

To address the root of the problem, Ho Chi Minh City needs to move towards a flexible management model, classifying areas according to their function. For tourist streets and areas with high demand for cultural experiences, the city could consider planning "cultural sidewalks" or specialized business spaces. In addition, the city could implement a system of utilizing sidewalks based on specific areas and time slots to maintain urban vibrancy while preserving the landscape. Conversely, in areas with high traffic density near schools, hospitals, or parks, sidewalks should be prioritized for pedestrians to ensure the quality of public spaces.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/xa-hoi/cac-van-de/hai-hoa-giua-quan-ly-via-he-va-doi-song-dan-sinh-1042357