According to an official document recently submitted by the city’s Department of Construction to the People’s Committee, seven key areas have been designated for rapid beautification. These include: the square in front of Ben Thanh Market, Phu Dong roundabout, Turtle Lake, and major streets such as Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Ham Nghi, and Hai Ba Trung.

Work is scheduled to be completed by February 10  -  the 23rd day of the last lunar month  -  just in time for the festive season.

As part of the citywide facelift, Ben Thanh Market is being fully repainted. Scaffolding and lifting equipment have been deployed to clean and refresh the building’s outer walls. However, its distinctive architecture and ornamental details will be carefully preserved.

On January 20, VietNamNet observed crews working on the market’s roof and upper exterior. Workers were seen repainting in the market’s original color palette.

Tam, a worker on-site, shared: “We’re working at full speed, from early morning till evening, to stay on schedule. Thankfully, the cooler weather these days in the city is making things easier.”

The curbstone area in front of the market entrance is also getting a fresh coat of yellow paint.

Along the four downtown streets  -  Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Ham Nghi, and Hai Ba Trung  -  facades of several buildings are being repainted to enhance visual consistency and elevate the city’s aesthetics. On Ham Nghi Street specifically, new lane markings, curbstone painting, and sidewalk resurfacing are underway.

On January 20, aerial lifts were used on Ham Nghi Street to clean and repaint facades of residential and commercial buildings. According to a construction team representative, around 100 workers and multiple technical crews are being mobilized to work in phases. Safety is a priority, and all work is being conducted without altering the original architecture.

At Turtle Lake, the city plans to repaint the central tower in a lighter shade, re-stripe road markings, plant new trees, clean sidewalks, repaint tree planters, and restore surrounding buildings.

Scaffolding and floating platforms have already been positioned at the site.

Tran Thuy, a resident of An Khanh Ward, often visits Turtle Lake for photos around Tet. “The old, darkened stone surfaces are being refreshed with brighter colors. Once the work is done, I’ll definitely come back for Tet photos,” she said.

Elsewhere, at Phu Dong roundabout, repairs include repainting the statue of Saint Giong in its original tone, along with road markings, curbstones, and new landscaping.

Tuan Hung