Many underpasses in Can Tho City are being spontaneously occupied by people and some establishments as parking lots, garbage shortages, trading and even small factories. This situation not only causes loss of urban aesthetics and environmental pollution but also poses many potential risks to the safety of traffic infrastructure and the community.
On September 4, according to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, at some underpasses, such as Quang Trung, Rach Ngong, Cai Rang, ... the area under the bridge - which was previously designated as a traffic safety corridor - has now seriously degraded.
At the foot of Quang Trung Bridge (in Ninh Kieu Ward), a large area has been surrounded by corrugated iron and used as a garbage transfer point. Garbage trucks often enter and exit, causing traffic obstruction, while the stench and falling garbage greatly affect the surrounding environment. Opposite this area, the underpass is used as a spontaneous car parking lot.
More worryingly, Hung Phu ward of this bridge is also occupied by a household to use as a timber cutting workshop. Wood is piled up, machinery operates right under the bridge, posing a potential risk of fire and explosion and seriously affecting the structure of the project.
At Cai Rang bridge (Cai Rang ward), the space under the bridge is being turned into a place for trading, parking motorbikes and dumping garbage. The stagnant wastewater creates an unpleasant odor, especially on hot days.
Meanwhile, the Rach Ngong bridge underpass is also being used to gather garbage and park cars, causing loss of urban beauty and making the area shabby and unsanitary. Despite the prohibition signs and safety warnings, the occupation still occurs blatantly.
Recently, the Ministry of Construction issued Directive 06 on inspection and review of the management and use of road safety corridors; measures to ensure fire prevention and fighting of road infrastructure in provinces and centrally run cities.
According to the Ministry of Construction, currently, regulations on the management and use of road safety corridors, road safety works and measures to ensure fire prevention and fighting of road infrastructure have been fully regulated by the state in the 2024 Road Law, the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, the Law on Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue and guiding documents under the law.
However, the management and use of road safety corridors in some localities in the recent past still has some shortcomings leading to risks of traffic insecurity, road safety works, etc.
Therefore, the Minister of Construction requested the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities to direct the review of all management and use of road safety corridors under their management. In particular, the work of temporarily using roadways and sidewalks for other purposes in localities; ensure that roadways and sidewalks are not used for purposes contrary to the provisions of Article 21 of Decree 165 of the Government.
In addition, promptly handle cases of encroachment, occupation, and illegal use of road safety corridors and land in violation of the law; take full responsibility if they persist in the management and use of road safety corridors and land in the area, threatening the safety of road works in the area;...
Check fire prevention and fighting safety conditions (PCCC) related to the use of traffic infrastructure in general and road infrastructure in particular to ensure compliance with Decree 105 of the Government on fire prevention and fighting management. Report the review results to the Ministry of Construction before September 25 for synthesis and reporting to the Prime Minister...
