The project to widen 361 meters of Tran Binh Trong street, from 5 meters to 23 meters, carries a total capital of nearly 1,000 billion VND. It spans from the Ly Thai To intersection to Hung Vuong in Vuon Lai ward. The expanded road will feature a 15-meter wide surface and 4-meter sidewalks on each side, a significant increase from previous plans.

After more than two months since its commencement, dozens of households have already dismantled and relocated their homes, handing over land for the project.

Excavators level the ground for the Tran Binh Trong street widening project near Ho Thi Ky market. For many years, this area has often been congested, encroached upon, with tangled electrical wires.

Residents dismantle house roofs to relocate, handing over land for the project. Approximately 100 of 116 affected households have had compensation, support, and resettlement plans approved.

Mr. Phan Van Hoa, 68, who lives in a level 4 house near Ho Thi Ky flower market, stated his family has resided there for generations, with nearly 30 square meters of their property affected. "The paperwork is done. We are still waiting for resettlement support to stabilize our lives," Mr. Hoa said.

Some houses, partially within the right-of-way planning, have quickly demolished the affected sections and renovated the remainder.

Some households have dismantled their homes and moved elsewhere, handing over land for the project. Mr. Huynh Van Tam, Chairman of the Vuon Lai Ward People's Committee, stated that this project has been anticipated by residents for many years. It will improve traffic, upgrade the deteriorating vaulted drainage system, and ensure local safety. The project also holds special significance, being linked to the renovation of Ly Thai To Park No. 1, where a monument to Covid-19 victims is located.

New underground drainage systems are being installed on the road. Electrical cables, water pipes, and other infrastructure are being deployed in eligible sections.

Some other households are still pending procedures and have not yet relocated or handed over the land.

The project will also pave sidewalks with granite, renovate the drainage system, underground electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, and embellish the urban space. This creates a synchronous connection with Ly Thai To Park No. 1. This area is being developed into a key green, cultural, and public transport hub in central TP HCM.

The road widening project is scheduled for completion on 2/9 this year.

The section of Tran Binh Trong street next to Ly Thai To Park No. 1 is being upgraded and widened. Graphics: Tam Thao

Thanh Tung