Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street is lacking shelter to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City’s authorities are considering a plan to install roofs over suitable parts of the walkways of Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street and Bến Bạch Đằng Park in District 1 to protect pedestrians from sunshine and rain.

The 670m long-Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street and Bến Bạch Đằng Park attract thousands of people and tourists every day.

However, these places have lacked shelter to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain, and are not suitable for planting trees to shade the sidewalk as before, according to the municipal Department of Planning and Architecture.

A roof system over them should be built to shield walkers and shoppers from the elements, according to the department.

Not only do they help block sunlight and rain, the future roofs can also create a lively cityscape, according to the department.

Roof materials will be beautiful, sustainable and cost-effective, ensuring harmony with the general landscape of the area, the department said.

In addition, leaders of the City also assigned the District 1 People's Committee to review locations to build parking lots and public toilets to serve residents and visitors, while relevant units also need to study the location of a pedestrian bridge crossing Tôn Đức Thắng Street in order to reduce congestion and ensure pedestrian safety from Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street through Bến Bạch Đằng Park. — VNS