Food street opened in District 1 on August 28.
Customers wait to be served at the Nguyen Van Chiem Food Street on the opening day on August 28.
Those are long-time street vendors in HCM City whose businesses had to be closed during the pavement clearance movement. At the new workplace, they will be given uniforms, name plates and are asked to take regular health check-ups.
In the first two months, the district authorities will issue pre-paid food stamps to encourage people and companies working and living nearby to buy food and promote the street.
District 1 is the first district in HCM City set up the plan to open food areas within a specific time, on certain streets. The plan was confirmed during a meeting last March. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, the district's vice chairwoman, said they would move street vendors with disadvantaged backgrounds to sell food there to clear the pavement.
Vice chairman of District 1 People's Committee, Doan Ngoc Hai, visits the street on August 28.
District 1 Chairman Tran The Thuan said, "Clearing the pavement does not mean chasing the street vendors away. Besides dealing with pavement encroachment, we must find suitable locations to open markets for them to ensure their daily lives. The authorities must popularise the policies to have public support."
District 1 will also open another food street at Bach Tung Diep Park for 15 street vendors thanks to a wide pavement. It is set to be opened in September.
