Ho Chi Minh City plans development of temporary parks on vacant lots

The municipal Department of Construction recently said it supports a proposal to temporarily use vacant land that has not yet been developed for public green spaces and neighborhood activities.

The move follows a request from the city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, which reviewed underused land plots and delayed projects across the southern metropolis.

Local administrations from wards and communes including Hoa Binh, Kim Long, Binh Tay, Vinh Tan, Vinh Hoi, Bay Hien, Phuoc Long, Binh Chanh, Thanh An, and Tam Thang also submitted recommendations.

According to the Department of Construction, the plan would apply to public land that has not been effectively used, as well as projects that have already received approval or land allocation but remain stalled or unused.

However, the Department of Construction stressed that such use must not alter the land’s official purpose, delay planned projects, or create new legal complications.

Local authorities must also ensure funding for maintenance.

Because most vacant plots are small and managed locally, the construction department suggested that ward and commune administrations select appropriate solutions based on each site’s conditions.

The Department of Finance will guide funding mechanisms, while the Department of Agriculture and Environment will oversee legal issues related to land use.