Completion of two public toilets on 'golden land' in Saigon

Two public restrooms located at 8-12 Le Duan Street and 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, have been providing free service since the afternoon of May 6th, helping to meet the needs of residents and tourists.

Two facilities, each measuring 2 meters wide and 4 meters long, were constructed using kiosks. One side housed the restroom, while the other featured a beverage counter. The total cost, nearly one billion VND, was funded by a private enterprise. These are two of five vacant prime land plots in District 1 where the city government has allowed the temporary construction of restrooms, given the severe shortage in the city center.

A representative from Tien Phong Environmental Technology Joint Stock Company (the investor) stated that these toilets have a sensor system at the door that detects people entering and exiting, and also use automatic microbial enzymes to treat waste. These are mobile kiosks, making them easy to disassemble and relocate. The company plans to propose expanding this type of toilet to other areas with high demand in the city in the near future.

Public restrooms in the prime real estate area at 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1. Photo: Ha Giang — Public restrooms in the prime real estate area at 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1. Photo: *Ha Giang*

Besides the two locations mentioned above, District 1 also has three other prime locations where another investor is preparing to install similar public restrooms: the former Tax Department Store (135 Nguyen Hue), the expansion area of the Majestic Hotel at 2-4-6 Nguyen Hue, and 8 Nguyen Trung Truc. The restrooms will be dismantled once the project is implemented.

Mr. Duong Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Urban Management Department of District 1, said that previously there were some public toilets installed on sidewalks in the district, but they were demolished during urban renovation. The current arrangement of toilets in the district faces many difficulties, so these two projects will help meet the needs of residents and tourists. In addition to this plan, the local authorities are also encouraging homeowners and businesses to provide free use of their toilets; renovating old toilets, etc.

"Implementing a public toilet model through social mobilization is essential at this stage, contributing to resolving the shortage in the city center," Mr. Binh said.

The plot of land at 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung (in blue) has four street frontages, making it one of the most prime locations in Saigon. Photo: Huu Khoa — The plot of land at 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung (in blue) has four street frontages, making it one of the most prime locations in Saigon. Photo: *Huu Khoa*

Statistics show that Ho Chi Minh City currently has 255 public restrooms, with District 1 having 18 in 13 locations, including: 4 markets, 7 parks, one bus station, and one in a residential area. Due to the central area of the city, which is densely populated with residents and tourists, the number of restrooms in District 1 is significantly insufficient to meet demand. Recently, the local authorities have successfully encouraged over 100 businesses selling food, drinks, and providing tourism services to allow visitors to use their restrooms free of charge.

Ha Giang

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