Regarding the conflicting opinions surrounding the renovation of Ben Thanh market and Con Rua Lake roundabout, on February 4, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports (VHTT) held a meeting with the Department of Construction, Department of Planning and Architecture, local authorities and Khang Dien Housing Investment and Business Joint Stock Company (the sponsor and implementer) to clarify related issues.
Previously, in a document sent to the Department of Construction, the Department of Planning and Architecture said that some symbolic public spaces of the city such as the square in front of Ben Thanh market, Con Rua Lake roundabout and Phu Dong 6th intersection roundabout have not been given due attention in the renovation process.
Through actual surveys and people's feedback, many construction items are causing controversy about aesthetic factors, landscape harmony and color, affecting the appearance of the central area of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Department of Planning and Architecture also pointed out that the plan attached to Document No. 06/2026/CV-KĐ dated January 15, 2026 of Khang Dien Company has differences compared to actual construction, especially in color and scope of implementation at the square in front of Ben Thanh market and Con Rua Lake roundabout. Up to now, it is not clear whether these changes have been considered and approved by competent authorities or not.
At the meeting, Mr. Le Hoang Khoi - Deputy General Director of Khang Dien Company - affirmed that the renovation of works, traffic junctions and public spaces in Ho Chi Minh City is implemented based on the policy of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, and fully complies with the procedures and professional opinions of relevant departments and branches.
According to Mr. Khoi, in 2025, Khang Dien participated in the renovation of Le Loi street and achieved positive results. On that basis, the enterprise continues to propose expanding the scope of implementation. In 2026, the unit will deploy the renovation of the square in front of Ben Thanh market, Ho Con Rua area, Ben Thanh market, Hoa Xa building and some central roads.
Regarding the legal basis, on January 7, the City Party Committee Office conveyed the opinion of the Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee agreeing with the policy for Khang Dien to carry out the renovation of the above-mentioned works.
On January 13, the Department of Construction chaired a meeting with departments, branches and localities to listen to businesses present their plans. After that, the Department of Construction consulted the Department of Culture and Sports, received professional comments and summarized them to submit to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee for consideration.
By January 15, Khang Dien had an official document submitting the completed renovation plan according to the conclusion of the meeting and the opinions of the Department of Culture and Sports. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee then approved the proposal of the Department of Construction, agreeing to let Khang Dien organize sponsorship and directly construct, requesting completion before February 10.
Regarding items on the relic inventory list such as Ben Thanh market and Hoa Xa building, a representative of Khang Dien said that the renovation was carried out in accordance with the guidance of the Department of Culture and Sports, in accordance with the plan submitted by the Department of Construction to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.
Regarding Ho Con Rua - an area that receives much attention from public opinion - businesses affirm that they are implementing the correct color according to professional advice.
Initially, the stairs were painted according to the old status as blue. After receiving opinions and inspection, we adjusted to gray. For the central tower, from the white paint option, the unit switched to yellow paint according to the comments of the Department of Construction" - Mr. Le Hoang Khoi informed.
For the square in front of Ben Thanh market, Khang Dien proposed to paint a green background combined with decorative motifs. Because the project is temporary, in the waiting period for underground projects to be implemented, businesses choose wave patterns with fresh colors to serve people and tourists during Tet.
Representatives of the sponsoring unit said that the square item in front of Ben Thanh market can flexibly change colors and themes according to each stage. Therefore, Khang Dien is ready to adjust according to the requirements of functional agencies when receiving official comments.
