A 500 m stretch of embankment along the Vam Thuat river, featuring wide sandy areas, attracts thousands of people daily for recreation and relaxation. However, after visitors depart, they leave behind large quantities of trash, including plastic bags, plastic cups, foam containers, and food wrappers, scattered across the sand and along the embankment. In many places, rubbish piles up and emits unpleasant odors. Some groups even organize overnight bonfires, abandoning leftovers directly on the sand.

The embankment area along the river is inundated with trash discarded by residents and tourists who come to relax. Photo: Tuan Anh

"Every afternoon, it's packed with people. They eat, drink, and then litter everywhere. The next morning, it looks very messy," said Minh, a resident living near the area.

For many days, the riverside sandy area has been likened to a "mini beach" in the heart of the city, attracting many people seeking new experiences after watching videos on social media. However, many visitors express disappointment upon witnessing the widespread litter.

"The space is wide, and the wind is cool, but the trash is everywhere, so I couldn't find a place to sit and had to leave," said Le Vy from Tan Binh ward.

Duong Van Kim, Vice Chairman of An Nhon Ward People's Committee, stated that the situation of residents gathering and littering in the Tham Luong canal area has been ongoing for many days, especially in the afternoon. "We primarily focus on communication and reminders for people to maintain hygiene; administrative penalties have not yet been implemented," he said. He added that the current staff is limited, with one or two people responsible for a large area with many issues, making it difficult to maintain a constant presence on-site for enforcement.

Residents and tourists ignore warning signs to enter the sandy area for recreation. Photo: Tuan Anh

To curb the generation of waste, ward police have inspected, reminded, and handled cases of street vendors using pushcarts and motorbikes in the area.

"Spontaneous commercial activities not only disrupt order but also increase litter," Kim stated.

The embankment area along the Vam Thuat river is currently only in the technical opening phase, pending acceptance and not yet ready for operation. Previously, the Ward People's Committee installed danger warning signs and erected a fence approximately 1,3 m high, about 5 m from the canal's edge, extending along the route. Warning signs are placed at multiple locations for easy visibility.

However, observations indicate that many people disregard the warnings, deliberately crossing the fence to enter and recreate. Residents sit enjoying the breeze, and children play on the sand, despite the surrounding litter. Additionally, motorbikes are parked extensively on the road, obstructing traffic and posing potential accident risks.

Trash left after an overnight bonfire. Photo: Tuan Anh

Children and adults sit and play amidst the trash. Photo: Tuan Anh

Motorbikes belonging to residents and tourists occupy the roadway and sidewalk. Photo: Tuan Anh

According to regulations, construction projects must have barricades and warning signs installed to ensure safety. The Ward People's Committee has requested the investor—the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Construction Investment Project Management Board—to promptly complete these items. A representative of the investor stated that they are coordinating with the contractor to expedite the installation of railings and fences, with completion expected before 15/5.

This section of the embankment is part of the Tham Luong canal renovation project, with a total investment exceeding 9,000 billion dong, and is currently nearly 70% complete. The project includes various components such as constructing concrete embankments, building roads along both sides of the canal, dredging the entire route, and constructing or repairing cross-culverts, all contributing to improved drainage and urban embellishment.

Residents and tourists flock to the sandy area next to the Vam Thuat river for recreation. Video: Tuan Viet

Tuan Anh - Le Tuyet