Da Nang authorities have launched a concerted effort to reclaim sidewalks, aiming to create clear pathways for pedestrians and establish orderly parking zones. This initiative, which began on 1/4, has seen local authorities and police intensify inspections and reminders, particularly in central areas, to ensure compliance.

Urban enforcement officers in Hai Chau ward, for instance, have been reminding vendors around Han Market to clear their goods from Nguyen Thai Hoc and Hung Vuong streets. These areas were previously often completely blocked by merchandise and motorbikes, making pedestrian movement difficult.

The campaign is part of Plan 109 by the Da Nang People's Committee, which mandates that 100% of wards and communes rectify sidewalk usage. Under this plan, placing mobile signs, umbrellas, advertising boards, potted plants, and decorative statues on sidewalks or roadways is strictly prohibited.

Sidewalks on Tran Quy Cap street, Hai Chau ward, are painted with two lanes for motorbikes and pedestrians. Many wards and communes in Da Nang are marking dividing lines on sidewalks according to guidelines from the Department of Construction.

Le Duan street's sidewalks show a clear change, with motorbikes neatly arranged and shops that displayed goods or placed potted plants on the sidewalk now having cleared space for pedestrians.

Initial assessments by the Department of Construction noted no significant changes in sidewalk clearing during the first few days. However, many major streets, particularly in the city center and near market entrances, have since shown improvement. For example, on the morning of 10/4, the sidewalk on Ong Ich Khiem street near Con Market was clear, a stark contrast to the encroachment by vendors on 22/3.

Tourists comfortably stroll on Bach Dang street's sidewalks, near rows of storefront businesses. This scene is a stark contrast to two weeks ago when many motorbikes were parked, encroaching onto the street.

On streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc and Yen Bai, popular with tourists walking to attractions such as Da Nang Cathedral ("Chicken Church"), Han Market, and cafes, motorbikes, tables, and chairs have been neatly arranged to make way for pedestrians.

In the evening, businesses continue to maintain sidewalk order. On Nguyen Van Linh street, residents now have a clear pedestrian path, a significant change from the evening of 24/3, when restaurants occupied the entire sidewalk with tables and chairs.

Similarly, at the corner of Bach Dang street, near the turn-off to the Han River swing bridge, the issue of plastic tables and chairs for drink stalls placed right at the sidewalk edge has been rectified.

Despite these improvements, some areas in central Da Nang still face encroachment by vendors and vehicles. Son Tra night market in An Hai ward, for instance, sees many street vendor carts obstructing the roadway, impeding both local pedestrians and tourists.

Sidewalk rectification in Da Nang is currently in phase 2, with comprehensive inspections and violation enforcement expected to continue until 30/4/2026. In phase 3, authorities will maintain regular patrols and controls to prevent re-encroachment and ensure sustainable urban order.

Nguyen Dong