Part of a sidewalk on Ba Tháng Hai Street in District 10. HCM City district authorities have been told to repair damaged sidewalks in their localities as soon as possible. — Photo sggp.org.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City Department of Transport has told local authorities to repair damaged sidewalks in their home districts as soon as possible.

City districts will be responsible for investing, building and repairing damaged sidewalks.

In June 2019, the city Department of Transport asked districts to upgrade and repair sidewalks to ensure safety. However, many damaged sidewalks in localities have not been repaired.

According to the department, city sidewalks have deteriorated because many motorbike drivers use the sidewalks as a traffic lane, especially during rush hour.

In addition, many stores and restaurants encroach on the sidewalks or use them to park motorbikes and cars.

Local authorities were also told to strictly handle people who ride motorbikes on the sidewalk and vendors who set up stands and motorbike parking on sidewalks.

Sidewalks in need of repair are located on Cách Mạng Tháng 8, Trường Chinh and Cộng Hòa streets in Tân Bình District, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street in District 3, Ba Tháng Hai Street in District 10, and Phan Xích Long street in Phú Nhuận District, among others.

Nguyễn Kim Chi, who lives on Ba Tháng 2 Street, told Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) newspaper that the sidewalk on the street has deteriorated over the years and has become much worse.

“I have fallen several times after stumbling into potholes on the sidewalk,” she added.

Local residents want authorities to repair the damaged sidewalks as soon as possible. — VNS