>> Hanoi\'s finest park making a comeback while fighting the needle
Hanoi’s pedestrian overpasses are plagued with litter problems, dirt and the danger of used hypodermic drug needles.
Upon hearing of an overpass to be built in front of the Hanoi Banking Academy, on Chua Boc road, many students were excited. However, when it appeared, those who used it were surprised by what they found, with many opting to continue crossing the busy street.
“Maybe I can deal with garbage and debris, but when it comes to seeing used hypodermic needles and drug addicts, I’d rather not cross the bridge,” shared Phuong Mai, a student at the academy.
It’s the same with overpasses throughout the city. For example, one overpass on Giang Vo is barely used even during rush hour traffic. Pedestrians would simply rather fight traffic crossing the busy thoroughfare than to bare the sights or smells they might find on the bridges.
“We’d all love to use the overpass and avoid the traffic,” said one pedestrian. “But it just isn’t safe stepping over needles.”
Many others are simply disgusted by the sight and smell of the debris left to sit on the footbridges which aren’t really cleaned.
At the overpass located in front of the University of Transport and Communications there are a number of tea stalls. “I think it’s disgusting to sell beverages underneath this bridge, but it’s not my affair. This area is under the control of the ward authorities. We cannot force them to act,” said one guard near the bridge.
The overpass on Giai Phong road, in front of Bach Mai Hospital, may be one of the busiest in the city. Even this one has fallen into trouble and is in need of upgrades.
Images from some overpasses:
Used needles are found on many pedestrian overpasses
Dirty stairwell of an overpass
Soiled overpass shocks passerby
Pedestrian avoids strewn trash
Used hypodermic needle on a footbridge near Giang Vo Exhibition Centre
Beat up stairwell of the overpass near Bach Mai Hospital
Worn surface of the overpass in front of University of Transport and Communications
One overpass used as a shelter for motorbikes and place for sellers to hang their wares
Bridge pillars are used for street advertisement
Tea stands in below an overpass
Unused overpass in front of Giang Vo Exhibition Centre
An overpass on Tran Cat Chan Road, costing billions, nearly deserted
Many pedestrians choose the danger of traffic to the ugly overpasses
