Ho Chi Minh Statute Square and Nguyen Hue walking street will open for visitors in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 on April 29, Deputy Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Huu Tin said yesterday.

According to the city’s planning, the open area in front of the People’s Committee headquarters will extend until Saigon River bank and connect with the Central Square in Thu Thiem new urban area via a pedestrian bridge which will be built later on.

Ho Chi Minh Statue will be built in the area and the ground around the statue is planned to be a square.  The rest will be a public space for residents to amuse themselves.

The city authorities have invited French light experts to design lights for the Ho Chi Minh Statue Square, making the statue emerged from surrounding space but still harmonious with lights in the area, especially at night.

They have also created a friendly atmosphere for residents with many amusement works including a fountain and rows of trees. Spraying systems will work in the distance among trees to keep the square cool.

In addition, 160 benches and two underground restrooms have been put along the square to serve visitors. Alongside architectural works comprise lean-tos for pedestrians to shelter from the rain and rubbish bins have also been in place.

A camera system has been ready to ensure public order and environmental hygiene in the upcoming holidays. Any violations such as littering will be strictly handled.

The square has been constructed with rough granite to prevent walkers from being slippery.

Authorized agencies will study a project to exploit and operate the square in the sprit of the people’s committee permission of amusement activities.

In the short term, the city has instructed the People’s Committee of District 1 to ban residents from encroaching Nguyen Hue Roadway to do business.

After the work opens for service, the Department of Transport will submit the city People’s Committee the best vehicular traffic project in the square and surrounding areas.

Parking lots of buildings and commercial centers within a radius of 200 meters have been mobilized to keep vehicles of visitors to the area. The list of parking lots is expected to be publicly announced Monday.

Mr. Tin said it would be the first time that HCMC operated such a public work. Therefore, local authorities would continue listening to residents’ opinions to improve it.

In long term, the nearby Ton Duc Thang Street will be for pedestrian also. Vehicles will move to ply in a tunnel where parking lots will be opened for visitors.

The Department of Transport is studying a project to use environmentally friendly electric buses that can carry 12 people each in the square and walking street to meet visitors’ demand.

Underground trade centers of the first metro route project Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien will be connected with the walking street in the future.

 

SGGP