Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam and Ba Dinh wards to reshape local urban landscapes

THE HANOI TIMES — Over the past week, authorities in Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam and Ba Dinh wards have intensified inspections and handled violations of urban order, aiming to turn these wards into model areas of public-space management in the capital.

The effort seeks to build shared awareness, coordinated action and broad public support through an approach that is firm, flexible, lawful and persuasive.

Hoan Kiem Ward is a political, economic and cultural hub of Hanoi with dense population, heavy traffic and vibrant commerce.

It also hosts the walking zone around Hoan Kiem Lake and lies within the Old Quarter’s sphere of activity, which increases pressure on urban-order management.

Since November 15, local forces in Hoan Kiem have stayed on duty regularly, guiding business households to clear sidewalks, remove awnings and arrange goods and vehicles properly. Streets must be restored to clean, open conditions in line with regulations.

The ward has reviewed each violation point, including unauthorized structures, improper signboards, sidewalk encroachment and personal use of public space. After the review, a detailed action plan was developed with responsibilities assigned to specific teams.

The People’s Committee, local police and grassroots security forces have worked together to direct traffic and ensure safety during the removal of violations. Waste generated during the process is collected immediately to maintain cleanliness.

Captain Do Xuan Giap, Deputy Head of the Order Police Team in Hoan Kiem, said the ward has proposed installing AI cameras to monitor violations and issue remote fines.

Alongside enforcement, communication has been strengthened through platforms such as iHanoi, VNeID and Zalo so residents can report issues easily, he said.

“For cases that have been handled and then violate again, we will respond decisively. We also promote community self-management so residents help supervise one another,” Giap said.

Initial results show that more than 95% of businesses in the ward have signed commitments not to encroach on sidewalks and have complied with new rules.

Busy streets such as Hang Ma, often congested during Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas and holidays, have seen clear improvements. Pedestrians now move comfortably on wide, unobstructed sidewalks.

Kieu Nguyet Hang, a shop owner at No. 21 Hang Ma Street, said: “If it’s the State’s policy, we support and follow it.”

Cua Nam Ward has fewer hotspots than Hoan Kiem but faces a major challenge: the lack of standard parking areas. As a result, some parking services still fail to comply, affecting sidewalks and urban order.

Captain Vu Tien Thanh, Deputy Head of the Order Police Team in Cua Nam, said many businesses still tend to “hold on to sidewalks.”

After communication and commitment signing, the police maintain frequent checks to handle those who deliberately violate.

Nguyen Tan Son, Head of Neighborhood Group 5, said residents strongly support restoring order and suggested that the city study regulated sidewalk leasing or parking zones to maintain order and convenience for pedestrians.

Ba Dinh Ward has 61 streets and 260 alleys. It is the national political center, home to many central agencies and historic landmarks.

Heavy population and traffic density, coupled with limited planning and infrastructure, create major challenges for urban-order enforcement.

Captain Khong Ngoc Son of Ba Dinh Ward Police said changing public awareness takes time. To build a model ward, the police must maintain persistent outreach.

Nguyen Thu Hoa, a resident of Ngu Xa Street, said her family complies after repeated reminders. “We also encourage neighbors to follow the rules so our area stays orderly.” 

Pham Thi Diem, Chairwoman of the Ba Dinh Ward People’s Committee, emphasized: “This is a core task, not a short-term campaign. We hope officials, Party members and residents join efforts to achieve the goals.”

Self-awareness is key to lasting change

Public response has been positive. Many say streets look cleaner, traffic flows better and overall urban living has improved.

Nguyen Son Lam of Yen Hoa Ward said: “Returning sidewalks to pedestrians is essential. A clean city improves Hanoi’s image.”

Visitors on Hang Ma Street expressed surprise at neat displays and clear sidewalks. Minh Tien and his wife from Haiphong said: “We support this effort and hope it is maintained.”

Residents recall previous sidewalk-clearance campaigns that did not last. This time, however, people themselves are removing awnings and signs instead of waiting for authorities.

The approach is not a temporary “campaign” but a structured three-step process: communication – enforcement – maintenance.

Wards drafted plans for each street and group of businesses. Criteria for model wards are clear. Neighborhood groups supervise and report regularly. Communication is constant and repetitive.

Many violations arise from long-standing habits, including parking on sidewalks for convenience, displaying goods near the roadway or thinking “everyone does it.” These behaviors undermine cleanup efforts.

An orderly city is shown by how residents respect public space. Sidewalks are not extensions of businesses. Streets are not temporary parking spots. Street edges are not personal convenience areas.

A cultured capital cannot tolerate encroachment and disorder; a modern city cannot accept casual violations; a national tourism hub cannot allow public space to become private property.

Managing a city of 10 million people cannot rely on periodic campaigns. If residents follow rules only when officials are present, results will be temporary.

Changing awareness is essential so urban order becomes a shared norm and part of daily life. This shift takes time but is the foundation for sustainable community behavior.