According to Lao Dong's records in recent days, under a series of bridges in the city, the situation of occupying cars and motorbikes to park is common, even many areas have become garbage dumps. This poses a potential risk of fire and explosion, causing unsafe structure, and reducing the image of a civilized and modern city.
At Him Lam bridge (Tan Hung ward, Ho Chi Minh City), the bridge underpass here is being occupied for living, gathering household items, trading and setting up an illegal parking lot. This area is also connected to electricity for daily use, so there is a great risk of fire and explosion.
Not only under the bridge, right at the entrance to Him Lam bridge (from District 8 to District 7 before), a landfill with all kinds of garbage appeared right on the road, next to the sign "No dumping area".
Mr. Tu Huy Can (Tan Hung ward) said that the occupation of the bridge underpass for housing and vehicle storage has been going on for many years: "There was a time when the city had to fence off the bridge underpasses, but then the occupation and squalor were extremely repeated."
Speaking to Lao Dong newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tri - Chairman of Tan Hung Ward People's Committee said that regarding the situation of vehicles parked under the bridge, the ward has grasped and is developing a plan to convert the entire area according to the direction of the City People's Committee and the City Police, including underpass points.
"In particular, reflecting from the press about people selling, arranging tables and chairs and dumping garbage that spoils the aesthetics, the ward will direct the forces to coordinate with the police and the neighborhood to check, handle immediately, and thoroughly disseminate to the people to end this situation as soon as possible," said Mr. Tri.
Nearly 4 km away, under Nguyen Van Cu Bridge (formerly Chanh Hung Ward, District 8), many pressure plates and foam boxes were thrown everywhere. Some households living here also take advantage of the space under the bridge to cook, others use it as a place to do business and sell soft drinks.
Under Rach Ong Bridge ( Chanh Hung Ward), spontaneous beverage stalls with tables and chairs are placed right in the traffic lane for vehicles under the bridge, posing a potential risk to traffic safety.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction recently said that the work of protecting road infrastructure has been implemented synchronously in the past, but the situation of encroachment and illegal use under the bridge is still recurring. The Department affirmed that Ho Chi Minh City does not grant a license to park vehicles under the bridge.
Faced with this situation, the Department of Construction said it will coordinate with the City Police and People's Committees of relevant localities to develop a detailed plan to relocate illegal parking lots under the bridge before October 30, 2025.
The Department also assessed that currently, the demand for parking and sports activities of Ho Chi Minh City people is very high, but there is a shortage of land funds, especially for young people. Therefore, the Department proposes to allow the use of space under the bridge to be used as a parking lot, sports field... to meet public needs, ensure order, traffic safety and urban aesthetics. At the same time, it is recommended to amend the Road Law and Decree 165/2024 to assign the Provincial People's Committee to decide on the use of bridge underpasses, on the condition that they do not affect the structure, fire protection, security and order.
