In a recent press conference, Ho Chi Minh City officials announced the implementation of sidewalk leasing fees amounting to VND 2 billion and the replacement of thousands of green trees to address safety concerns.

The proposal came after assessing the current management status at 123 local streets in the city.

District 1 in HCM City on Thursday began a trial programme for renting out sections of sidewalks for various purposes such as parking and other businesses on eleven streets.

Districts 1, 10 and 11 in HCM City have updated a list of 100 streets that meet requirements to rent parts of the street pavements for business purposes.

Districts in HCM City have proposed a list of over 100 streets with sidewalks wider than three metres for commercial rental to the municipal Department of Transport

HCM City has halted its plan to collect fees on sidewalk and roadside usage due to regulatory hindrances.

Hoàn Kiếm District, the city’s central area, proposed rental on ten streets at 36 locations, including 15 locations on five pedestrians streets of Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Khay, Hàng Bài, Nguyễn Xí and Lê Thái Tổ.

The HCMC Department of Transport has listed nearly 900 roads across the city that will serve as a basis for district authorities to lease sidewalks.

Hanoi authorities are considering plans to collect fees on pavement and road usage from January next year.

HCMC is set to collect fees for roadside and sidewalk usage from early next year as reported by local media.

HCM City Department of Transport has just proposed a detailed plan on the use of road and pavements for commercial purposes, which could bring in an estimated annual revenue of VND 1.55 trillion (USD63.48 million).

Despite efforts for 10 years, Hanoi's pavements are still cluttered and have not been returned to pedestrians.

"On the sidewalks, you will see countless street stalls, eateries, bike repair shops," German photographer Hans-Peter Grumpe said about HCM City in the early 1990s.

The pavements in Hanoi’s old residential quarter have been occupied by petty merchants and used as parking lots and retail premises for many years. As a result, pedestrians have to walk on the roadbeds.

A project on leasing sidewalk space is being considered by the HCM City Department of Transport as a possible solution to ensure an "urban civilization" and reduce the negative impact on people and traffic.

HCMC is planning to allow the paid use of sidewalks for commercial purposes such as vending goods or parking if these business activities leave a space of at least 1.5 meters wide for pedestrians.

VietNamNet Bridge – Being considered as the "promised land," Ho Chi Minh City is also facing many difficulties and complicated problems that come from the informal workers.