A series of power poles obstruct newly widened road in downtown Ho Chi Minh City

Chu Van An street in Binh Thanh ward, widened four times its original size, cannot be opened to traffic due to a series of power poles awaiting relocation.

On 16/1, Chu Van An street was nearly complete, with sidewalks and curbs installed in some sections. However, numerous power poles remaining in the middle of the road impede traffic.

The Chu Van An street upgrade project, extending from Binh Hoa intersection to Phan Chu Trinh street, represents an investment exceeding 1,000 billion Vietnamese dong. Beyond widening the road to 23 meters, the initiative includes improvements to the drainage system, sidewalks, greenery, and lighting. These upgrades aim to alleviate traffic congestion, mitigate flooding, and enhance the urban landscape.

The most significantly affected section spans 600 meters, from Binh Hoa intersection to the junction with Phan Chu Trinh street, where approximately 50 power poles remain.

The Traffic Infrastructure Maintenance and Exploitation Department, under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, reported that the project is approximately 95% complete after one year of construction. Essential components like drainage, sidewalks, lighting, and the initial layer of asphalt have been finished. However, power poles obstructed the installation of culverts and the final asphalt layer, preventing the road's scheduled opening to traffic late last year.

Power poles stand close together, obstructing the middle of the newly widened road, with many poles leaning. "Every time I pass through here, I have to observe carefully, especially when it is dark or at sharp turns, to weave past these poles", said Nguyen Tai.

A power pole at the intersection with Phan Chu Trinh street is still entangled with dangling tree roots, yet to be removed.

Electrical wires crisscross like spiderwebs overhead, creating an unsightly view. At night, the risk of accidents increases due to limited visibility, while the lighting system is not yet fully integrated.

In some sections, bundles of electrical wires sag onto the road, requiring nearby residents to reinforce them with wooden planks.

Relocating the power poles has been delayed due to disagreements between local authorities and the electricity sector. Late last year, the former Binh Thanh District Investment and Construction Project Management Board prepared compensation and support documents for power grid relocation, totaling over 6 billion Vietnamese dong. However, Gia Dinh Power Company did not approve this plan. They agreed to relocate and re-establish the power grid only after the project is officially handed over to its owner.

The investor is currently awaiting guidance from various departments regarding the appraisal and approval procedures for the relocation plan. Meanwhile, the contractor has painted reflective markings and installed warning signs for vehicles.

Once official guidance is received, the construction unit will re-establish the power grid within approximately 50 days of completing the necessary procedures.

At the intersection with No Trang Long street, the electrical cabinet and traffic lights remain in their old positions from before the road widening. Nearby traffic signals are not in use as they are not yet connected to the electrical system.

The base of the poles and electrical cabinets have become dumping grounds for trash or construction materials.