Businesses encroach on sidewalks in Da Nang despite enforcement push

Some set up tent structures on sidewalks to display goods, while several string ropes to create parking space.

As observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters on Tuesday, a large temporary tent was set up on a sidewalk at Hoang Van Thai-Ton Duc Thang Intersection.

Beneath the structure, loudspeakers, electronics, and household appliances were displayed for sale, effectively transforming the public walkway into a retail space.

Meanwhile, several residents in Hoa Khanh Ward voiced frustration, noting inconsistencies in enforcement.

While small vendors and individuals have been warned or penalized for minor encroachments, larger businesses appear to resort to sidewalk spaces for operations.

“Along Ton Duc Thang Street, many companies use the sidewalks for business,” one resident said.

“Even putting out a chair makes us worry about being fined. This kind of uneven compliance is not acceptable."

A representative of a Dien May Xanh electronics store, which had set up a large tent on the sidewalk at the intersection, said that the business had requested permission to use the space for a promotional event but was denied.

Nevertheless, the company proceeded, citing difficulties in setting up a smaller tent within the permitted boundary.

The situation is not isolated.

On several streets, numerous businesses, particularly those with wide storefronts, have still encroached on sidewalks for parking and goods displays.

Near Nguyen Binh Khiem Middle School on Ton Duc Thang Street, a shop selling electric vehicles has turned a long stretch of sidewalk into a parking lot, forcing pedestrians, including students, onto the roadway.

Enforcement efforts face challenges

In recent weeks, the city’s campaign to reclaim sidewalks has garnered public support.

Downtown streets have become noticeably cleaner and more orderly, with newly painted lines separating pedestrian paths from designated parking areas.

However, progress in outlying wards has been slower.

Despite regular inspections, violations often resume shortly after enforcement teams leave.

In a directive issued on Monday, the municipal Department of Construction acknowledged limited progress in residential areas.

Obstacles such as potted plants, signage, foam containers, and outdoor furniture remain common on sidewalks.

The department has urged the administrations of wards and communes to enforce stricter compliance, requiring residents and businesses to remove all obstructions within designated boundaries.

In cases of non-compliance, officials are instructed to carry out removals.

Dang Ngoc Tuan, vice-chairman of the Hoa Khanh Ward People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre that enforcement teams have been working continuously despite limited manpower.

“Our priority has been public awareness and education,” he said.

“Deliberate violations will be documented and penalized in accordance with regulations."

Local authorities are coordinating with neighborhood security teams and community leaders to monitor repeat offenders more closely.

Residents can report sidewalk violations via the hotline at 02361022 or through the city’s online feedback portal (https://gopy.danang.gov.vn), as officials seek greater public participation in restoring pedestrian spaces.