Risk of accidents
In many central streets of Da Nang such as Hung Vuong, Ong Ich Khiem or areas belonging to Hai Chau and Thanh Khe wards, most sidewalks are occupied. Stalls are decorated with tables and chairs, motorbikes are parked all over the walkways, turning public spaces into livelihoods. At many points, pedestrians, from old people to young children, have to risk stepping onto the road, weaving through the crowded traffic flow.
Mr. Dung (resident in Hoa Cuong ward, Da Nang city) could not hide his frustration when witnessing business households tacitly displaying goods to the edge of the road. Most people have to walk on the road because the sidewalk is encroached upon.
Not stopping at inconvenience, the loss of pedestrian paths has directly led to traffic collisions. Mr. Dang Van Dam (residing in Thanh Khe ward, Da Nang city) is still in shock when talking about his "near death" incident. Mr. Dam affirmed that because the sidewalk is occupied as a place for trading, he sometimes has to walk close to the edge of the road for vehicles to run and has had traffic collisions once. Fortunately, he dodged in time.
No drums, no sticks
Da Nang City People's Committee recently issued Plan No. 109/KH-UBND on managing urban order and implementing a civilized lifestyle. This plan sets out specific technical regulations and strict sanctions to combat the situation of "hitting the drum and dropping the stick". The city sets a target that 100% of communes and wards must ensure sidewalk order, creating a clear change in the urban appearance in 2026.
According to the plan, the sidewalk area will be clearly marked based on the actual width. For sidewalks under 4m, at least 1.5m adjacent to people's houses must be reserved for pedestrians, the rest must be temporarily used as parking spaces. Sidewalks from 4m to under 6m and sidewalks over 6m also have regulations on motorbike parking positions of 2m and 3.5m adjacent to sidewalk curbs, in order to maintain smooth traffic for people.
In particular, Plan 109 clearly stipulates the responsibilities of individuals heading grassroots levels. Chairmen of People's Committees of wards and communes will be responsible to the City People's Committee for sidewalk management in their assigned areas.
The document clearly states that in areas where violations exist without measures to resolve and handle them thoroughly and effectively, so that higher-level agencies, the press and people reflect them many times, the Chairman of the People's Committee of that ward or commune must bear full responsibility.
According to Plan No. 109, the implementation roadmap is clearly divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 (from now until March 31): Focus on organizing basic investigations, propaganda and mobilizing the masses to voluntarily comply with regulations. Localities organize "Launch Ceremony", implement road markings on sidewalks, arrange garbage collection points and embellish the urban appearance ( pruning green trees, arranging signs).
Phase 2 (completed before April 30): Launch a general inspection and handling of violations. Units mobilize maximum forces and vehicles to focus on inspecting and thoroughly handling acts of encroachment on roads and sidewalks that still exist in the city.
Phase 3 (maintain regular and continuous): Focus on implementing measures to prevent and combat re-violations. Units maintain regular patrols and inspections to ensure violations do not continue in the managed area.
