On 10/3, the Can Tho City People's Committee instructed the City Civil and Industrial Works Investment and Construction Project Management Board to prepare investment procedures for the Maspero tourist street project in Phu Loi ward, formerly Soc Trang town.

The Maspero river flows through Soc Trang and Phu Loi wards, Can Tho City. Photo: Hung Loi

The Maspero tourist street project is set to feature a night market, pedestrian street, food street, pedestrian bridge, and enhanced riverbank landscaping. This development will stretch along Ly Thuong Kiet street in Phu Loi ward and Dien Bien Phu street in Soc Trang ward. City authorities have mandated relevant departments to conduct surveys, research, and finalize a comprehensive design plan, ensuring it integrates harmoniously with the surrounding environment and architecture.

A key feature of the project is a pedestrian bridge, designed to integrate with an embankment and a series of riverside steps. This structure must meet all technical and load-bearing requirements, and its architecture should serve as a distinctive landmark, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Soc Trang.

Phase one of the project is estimated to cost approximately 20 billion VND from the city budget. Phase two will seek funding through socialized capital. The city has set a deadline for the project's complete dossier to be finalized by 20/3.

The Maspero river, also known as Cau Quay river, is a canal dug nearly 120 years ago, flowing through Soc Trang and Phu Loi wards. This waterway is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the Khmer Nam Bo community, particularly through the traditional ghe ngo boat racing festival. The boat race is a highlight of the Khmer's Ok Om Bok festival, a moon worshipping ceremony held on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, drawing hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors annually.

An Binh