Pedestals and statues block the sidewalk on a tourist beach in Thanh Hoa

According to the feedback of people in Hoang Tien commune, in 2023, the local government will implement a project to renovate and upgrade the coastal road in Hoang Tien and Hoang Thanh communes (Hoang Hoa district), including dismantling shabby shops along the sidewalks of the road.

However, before the 2024 beach tourism season, some individuals and businesses built seats and even placed statues in public areas, encroaching on the sidewalk.

Some households brazenly built and occupied the sidewalks of pedestrians. Photo: Le Duong

Residents and tourists have no more room to walk on the sidewalk. Photo: Le Duong

"The government has just cleared out shops to make the streets clear and clean, but in some places, people are building seats and placing statues on the sidewalks, blocking the public walkway," said a resident.

According to local people, along the sidewalk here there are many "strange" statues with different shapes and sizes.

Pedestals and statues take up space on the sidewalk. Photo: Le Duong

This sidewalk section has nearly 20 statues. Photo: Le Duong

According to the reporter's records, on the sidewalk facing Hai Tien beach, there are nearly 20 statues, including a statue over 2m high made of concrete, many other stone statues about 1.5m high...

In addition, there are many brick and cement seats blocking the path, ruining the landscape and aesthetics of the beach resort.

Hai Tien residents are concerned that sidewalks will be occupied again. Photo: Le Duong

There are no railings along the sidewalk, posing a potential safety risk to visitors when the tide is high. Photo: Le Duong

Speaking with VietNamNet, Mr. Le Van Cuong - Head of the Economic - Infrastructure Department of Hoang Hoa district said that the items of placing statues and building chairs were not invested and built by the district.

According to Mr. Cuong, previously, along this sidewalk, many households spontaneously set up kiosks to sell goods. In 2023, the district had a project to renovate and upgrade the coastal road, so these kiosks were cleared, and the road became airy and clean.

“The district has mobilized local businesses to place statues and cement chairs on the sidewalks, mainly to prevent the risk of re-encroachment of sidewalks by households. After stabilizing the situation, the district will request the return of the sidewalk to its original state.

We admit that the construction has affected the ventilation of the sidewalk and the road. However, this is only a temporary solution,” said Mr. Cuong.

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