Various localities in Da Nang have implemented strategies to improve the landscape and enhance the management and treatment of pollution in vacant lots. This initiative aims to prevent the wastage of land resources, address urban aesthetic issues, and combat environmental pollution.

The "Urban Vegetable Garden" model initiated by associations in Hoa Thuan Tay Ward has attracted groups of pupils for visits and educational purposes.

One lot, approximately 5,000 square metres in size located on Van Don Street, Son Tra District, has been transformed by the Farmers' Association of Man Thai Ward over the past four years. What was once a wasteland overgrown with reeds and rubbish has now evolved into a vibrant landscape filled with green vegetable rows and beautiful flower pots.

Mr Vo Thanh Thang, Chairman of the Farmers' Association in Man Thai Ward, stated, “With the aim of enhancing urban aesthetics and improving income, four members of our association have cultivated this land with short-term crops. The plants grown here include lettuce, mustard greens, and various types of chrysanthemums and marigolds. This has significantly improved everyone’s income, and should the government need to reclaim the land, it can be easily restored to its original state. Currently, there are many vacant lots in the ward, which are also being cultivated by our members for vegetable production”.

Similarly, the “Urban Vegetable Garden” model in Thanh Khe Tay Ward, Thanh Khe District has been underway for three years. Located on Yen Khe 1 Street, this approximately 2,000 square metre area was once a neglected vacant lot notorious for environmental pollution. The local government has entrusted the Farmers' Association of the ward to manage and rehabilitate the land for growing flowers, ornamental plants, and organic vegetables, benefiting ten households economically.

Directly opposite this area is a clean vegetable garden managed by the Women’s Association of the ward, covering about 500 square metres. This area, once a derelict lot, has also been temporarily assigned by the local government for management. The association has treated the pollution, rehabilitated the land, and grown organic vegetables. Notably, harvested vegetables are not sold but instead provided to women members facing difficult circumstances.

According to Mr Dinh Quang Tuong, Vice Chairman of Thanh Khe Tay Ward, although this method only utilises the land effectively in the short term, it has helped mitigate land resource wastage and improved the residential area’s aesthetics. There are currently 112 vacant lots in the ward, with scattered land belonging to projects and households that have not yet been developed. To date, five gardens have been cultivated from vacant land and undeveloped project areas to implement this model. In the future, the locality aims to further replicate the "urban vegetable garden" model, rehabilitating and greening vacant lots through the creativity of local associations and the collaborative efforts of community residents.

In Hai Chau District, to ensure environmental sanitation, the local government has coordinated with relevant units to reclaim and manage public land that has been illegally occupied or used inappropriately, leading to unsanitary conditions.

As of now, there are 251 resettlement lots and 20 large vacant plots managed by the Da Nang Land Development Centre within the district, alongside 606 vacant lots managed by various organisations and individuals.

Mr Nguyen Van Duy, Vice Chairman of Hai Chau District People's Committee, noted that most of the vacant lots in the district have been fenced off and protected by organisations and individuals. Therefore, the situation regarding urban order and environmental sanitation in the vacant lots managed by these entities is relatively well maintained. However, some sites intended for long-term projects remain unmanaged, leading to illegal dumping of waste and rubble, contributing to environmental pollution.

The local government has set forth a roadmap and directed the wards to complete the handling of illegal occupation, dismantle, and relocate all structures and constructions, and hand over the land to the Da Nang Land Development Centre for proper management, aiming for 20% compliance in 2023, 50% in 2024, and 100% in 2025. Additionally, they ensure all vacant lots belonging to public land are kept clean.

Local assessments indicate that vacant lots in the city centre are a waste of land resources, especially given the high demand for land usage among residents. This has led to situations where some individuals unlawfully occupy land for various purposes, with some being allowed to cover the costs of cleaning up and temporarily using the land for different activities such as parking, vegetable growing, or temporary trading. Some wards have also allocated these lands to local associations for community work.

While the use of land by individuals and organisations in this manner is not in accordance with regulations, it has largely mitigated the issue of neglected land and pollution, contributing to social welfare for certain residents and alleviating pressure on local authorities regarding environmental sanitation.

Additionally, local authorities regularly maintain oversight, strictly addressing illegal dumping, unauthorised construction, and land encroachment, while collaborating with social organisations to promote legal awareness among residents, carry out community clean-up campaigns, and organise environmental awareness events to enhance community commitment to environmental protection.

Reporting by TRAN TRUC - Translating by TRUC VY