Rendering of the pedestrian bridge over Sài Gòn River, HCM City. The design was created by a consortium of Japanese-invested Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam.

HCM City's transport department and HCM City-based private Nutifood Nutrition JSC on Monday signed an agreement on the company's sponsorship of VNĐ1 trillion (US$41.2 million) for the city's pedestrian bridge over Sài Gòn River.

Chairman of the HCM People's Committee Phan Văn Mãi, at the signing ceremony, stated that this was an important and iconic project for the southern city, which promises to be a popular "check-in site" for residents and tourists alike.

According to the agreement, Nutifood will sponsor the entire construction cost of the project based on the approved principles, planning, and design by the city.

After the signing ceremony, HCM City People's Committee will hand over the site and design plans to Nutifood.

Trần Bảo Minh, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nutifood, said the company's funding of the pedestrian bridge across the Sài Gòn River was a gesture of gratitude to the people and the city. It would also serve as motivation for the company to strive even harder.

Trương Trung Kiên, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture, said the pedestrian bridge is approximately 500m long, stretching from Bạch Đằng Park (District 1) to the central square of the new Thủ Thiêm urban area (Thủ Đức City).

The bridge is designed in the shape of a nipa palm leaf, a familiar image of the Southern region in its pastoral past. The bridge will also have a lane for cyclists and people with disabilities. In emergencies, ambulances can also move onto the bridge.

"This pedestrian bridge connecting the two banks of the Saigon River is not only a transportation facility, a passage between the two banks, but it is also an architectural work, a highlight of the Saigon River, which is already a highlight of HCM City," the city's leader said.

HCM City People's Committee Chairman also suggested that relevant departments and agencies recognise this as a "symbolic project of the city" and participate in ensuring that the construction process meets high technical, safety, and artistic standards.

All relevant parties should urgently prepare for the groundbreaking ceremony before April 30, 2025, commemorating 50 years of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. — VNS