Sidewalk construction left in disarray around schools, hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City

Many manholes have been left exposed or sit unevenly above ground level for prolonged periods.

Construction materials remain scattered across sidewalks, narrowing pedestrian pathways and making walking difficult.

Some residents said a sidewalk upgrading project has been underway for more than a month, yet many components remain incomplete.

Dong, who lives on Pham Huu Chi Street, said that while the overall pace of sidewalk construction has not been excessively slow, the prolonged delay in completing drainage works has caused frustration.

“A manhole in front of my house has been raised, lowered, and then left unfinished for nearly half a month,” he said.

“It’s extremely inconvenient, especially for households with manholes right at their doorsteps."

The area is home to major facilities such as Cho Ray Hospital, Hung Vuong Hospital, and Hong Bang Middle School, resulting in heavy daily foot traffic from patients, parents, and students.

During morning and afternoon peak hours, parents dropping off and picking up students are often forced to stop far from school entrances, unable to access them as before.

“The road is narrow and traffic is heavy, so students have to climb onto unfinished sidewalks to walk,” one parent said.

“With loose soil and rocks everywhere, it’s very difficult to move around. 

"Many students have slipped or fallen.”

Other residents echoed similar concerns.

“I cross these streets twice a day to take my child to school. Adults can manage, but students have to endure very difficult conditions,” another resident said.

“The prolonged construction also creates dust and pollution.

“We can tolerate it for a few days, but this has gone on for more than a month, and no one knows when it will end."

Residents are calling on contractors to speed up the remaining work, properly cover manholes and drainage pits, and arrange temporary pedestrian routes to ensure safety.

A representative of the project management board for construction investment in the former District 5 said the sidewalk works on Pham Huu Chi and Trieu Quang Phuc Streets, particularly the section in front of Hong Bang Middle School, are part of the Phase 2 sidewalk renovation project in the former district, with the board acting as project investor.

According to the board, the concrete work on the section of Trieu Quang Phuc Street in front of the school has been completed, and construction is continuing at remaining locations.

Due to a shortage of stone for construction, additional materials were expected to arrive on Sunday.

The contractor has been committed to completing works on sidewalks along the street before January 25.

As for Pham Huu Chi Street, some 95 percent of the sidewalk paving has been completed, and the project is now entering its final finishing stage.