Hanoi set to determine sidewalk rentals

Its deputy chairman, Duong Duc Tuan, said at a recent meeting that some sidewalks would be leased for commercial exploitation.

Some districts have identified streets with sufficient infrastructure to trial the program.

Hoan Kiem District has proposed 36 locations on 10 streets, including in the pedestrian plaza in Hoan Kiem and Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Khay, Hang Bai, Nguyen Xi, and Le Thai To streets.

The area to be rented will extend two meters in length from the front of houses.

During the trial period only house owners will be allowed to run businesses on the sidewalks.

Authorities have not decided how long the trial will last or what the rents would be.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to start collecting sidewalk rents from Jan. 1.

It has said areas on streets and sidewalks used for parking vehicles or to do businesses will cost VND20,000-350,000 (US$0.8-14.4) per month.