Deputy PM orders cities to clear, return sidewalks to pedestrians

The Government Office on Monday issued a directive from him requiring city administrations to crack down on illegal encroachments on sidewalks and streets and take back the space for pedestrians.

Besides, they need to provide enough space for bus to pick up and drop off passengers safely, it said.

In Vietnam’s two biggest cities, pedestrians having to walk on the street, running the gauntlet of vehicles, is a common sight. Meanwhile, sidewalks are used for parking and running businesses.

Both cities have launched numerous campaigns in recent years to clean up sidewalks but with little success.