The image of streets being dug up and fenced off for construction at the end of the year has become familiar to Hanoians. According to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters in late October 2025, many streets such as Nghiem Xuan Yem, Khuat Duy Tien, Giai Phong, Kim Dong... are being dug up, sidewalks are being re-paved, and technical infrastructure is being upgraded.
In the area in front of Kim Van - Kim Lu Urban Area, the sidewalk was peeled off to be paved with new stones. Many groups of workers and machines work continuously all day, creating a bustling scene but also leading to many inconveniences such as traffic being affected, business activities of people on the road are facing difficulties, pedestrians have to squeeze between piles of materials.
During the dry season, strong winds cause sand and dust to fly everywhere, causing air pollution and directly affecting the lives of surrounding households.
Many sidewalk sections have been completed, but materials such as sand, cement, stone, etc. are still piled up, obstructing walking paths and spoiling the urban beauty.
At the bus stop in Kim Van - Kim Lu Urban Area (Hoang Mai ward), many people have to stand on the road to pick up their vehicles. The sidewalk around the waiting house is being repaired, the temporary fences made of rudimentary ropes, the piles of bricks and stones serving the project occupy almost all the paths, forcing people to go onto the road, posing a potential risk to traffic safety.
According to records, there are no warning signs in this area that the project is under construction. These are just temporary ropes used as "barriers" to prevent people from passing through and warn of danger. The rough, makeshift way of making it makes many people worried.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam, a stone paving worker in the area in front of Kim Van - Kim Lu Urban Area, said: "The work is very hard, many sections have to be re-paved after paving because some people lack awareness and still go in, even riding motorbikes, even though there are warning ropes".
Similarly, in the area of Kim Dong road at Giai Phong intersection, sand and gravel from construction works are lying around, and the sidewalk is in the process of restoration and renovation. Many sections are fenced off, the road surface is rough, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.
Not only are road users having difficulty, many businesses are also affected by the lack of customers.
Mr. Pham Van Thong, residing in Kim Dong Street, said: "On sunny days it is dusty, on rainy days it is muddy. The renovation and upgrading of the project is necessary, but it needs to be done on schedule and ensure quality. People traveling is very difficult, while shops on both sides of the road lose 70-80% of their revenue. We just hope the project will be completed soon so that people can feel secure in doing business and trading."
To rectify investment and management after sidewalk investment, the Hanoi People's Committee has issued many documents directing the Department of Construction and related units to strengthen inspection, timely maintenance and repair of sidewalks that are sunken, cracked, peeled, or degraded to ensure the quality of the project and urban aesthetics. At the same time, strictly handle construction units that are poor in quality and do not ensure technical standards and the life of the project according to regulations.
At the same time, the Department of Construction was assigned to preside over the inspection and review of sidewalk design models, clearly defining the conditions, requirements, and criteria for sidewalk materials (types, sizes, etc.) in accordance with the characteristics and nature of sidewalk use in each area. Ensure quality and longevity of the project, avoiding waste.
It is known that the Department of Construction is currently coordinating with departments and branches to inspect, review and assess the causes of peeling, subsidence, cracking, and breaking of paving stones... while studying specific, effective and economical solutions, including strengthening community supervision.
