Eateries take over sidewalks along Ho Chi Minh City street, forcing pedestrians onto road

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters observed the sidewalk along Cach Mang Thang Street in Hoa Hung and Nhieu Loc wards and found that at around 5:00 pm every day, eateries begin putting tables and chairs on the sidewalks to serve customers.

The commercial activity extends from inside the businesses onto the sidewalks, narrowing the paths intended for pedestrians.

The sidewalks are not only used for business activities but also as parking areas.

Staff at some venues direct customers to ride their motorbikes onto the sidewalks before arranging the vehicles there.

Tran Minh T., 22, a resident of Nhieu Loc Ward, said that using the sidewalks in the area for business has been going on for a long time.

“Many pedestrians have to walk on the road because the sidewalks are completely occupied by businesses. I hope that the sidewalks will eventually be returned to their original purpose,” T. said.

Photos show sidewalks being encroached upon along Cach Mang Thang Tam Street: