Economic development potential from the regulating lakes of Vinh City.

Green spaces in the heart of the city.

Vinh City currently has over 10 regulating lakes of varying sizes, including 6 large ones: Hung Hoa regulating lake, Goong lake, Central Park lake, Cua Nam lake, Vinh Tan lake, and the regulating lake bordering the three wards of Quang Trung, Dong Vinh, and Cua Nam. Several other lakes are smaller and scattered across various wards and communes. These lakes form a widespread system of water bodies connected to residential areas, parks, and central streets.

The regulating lake is considered by the people as the "green lung" of the city, serving both community life and opening up great opportunities for economic and tourism development.

Hung Hoa regulating lake is currently the largest reservoir in Vinh City, with a total area of ​​53 hectares and a water surface area of ​​40 hectares. Located at the end of the North Canal, it lies in the low-lying area bordering Hung Loc ward, Hung Hoa commune, and Hung Dung ward. This regulating lake plays a crucial role in mitigating urban flooding, improving the ecosystem and environment, and enhancing adaptation to climate change. Around the lake, rows of green trees provide ample shade, creating a fresh and cool atmosphere.

During the day, the lake is crowded with people strolling, exercising, fishing, and more. At night, the air is cool, there is less traffic, and the lighting system has been upgraded, making it a popular meeting place for many locals; food and beverage services are also bustling.

Goong Lake, located in Truong Thi Ward, is one of the most well-known lakes in the area. Situated amidst a densely populated residential area, the spacious lake is surrounded by a walking path lined with straight rows of green trees, making it a familiar destination for city dwellers on summer afternoons. The area is often crowded, especially on hot days, with people engaging in activities such as exercising, eating, drinking, and enjoying pedal boat rides.

Not far from there is the Central Park Lake in Vinh City – considered the "heart" of the city. The spacious area, combining water, lawns, and artistic architecture, creates an iconic complex. It also hosts numerous cultural and sporting activities, seasonal fairs, and offers attractive outdoor cultural, culinary, and artistic performances.

Besides the aforementioned lakes, there are other famous regulating lakes in Vinh City such as Cua Nam Lake, Vinh Tan Lake, and the regulating lake bordering Quang Trung, Cua Nam, and Dong Vinh wards… However, most of them are currently "dormant," serving only as air conditioners and not being properly exploited to serve the local economy and tourism development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Nam Ward, said: "Cua Nam Lake is beautiful, spacious, and conveniently located at the southwestern gateway of the city, adjacent to National Highway 46. For a long time, there have been spontaneous services such as fishing and refreshments... Although it has great potential, there is currently no specific plan. The ward also hopes to develop it systematically, avoiding the current chaotic and difficult-to-manage spontaneous situation."

Commenting on the potential for economic development, Mr. Mai Ngoc Luong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Thi Ward, emphasized: "The situation of spontaneous business activities around Goong Lake, especially in the summer, is common. Although the ward has repeatedly taken action to address this, the reality is that there is a demand for recreation, entertainment, and gatherings for residents and tourists. Therefore, if there is a suitable mechanism, this could generate a significant source of revenue for the city; however, it must be done in parallel with ensuring security, order, and environmental hygiene."

Ms. Tran Thi Thu from Hung Dung ward shared: "The Hung Hoa regulating lake is very large, and every afternoon it is crowded with people playing, exercising, and children have a place to play and ride bikes. I think conditions should be created for selective and managed exploitation of services by relevant agencies to both meet the needs of the people and not affect the landscape and environment."

It is known that, in addition to the existing regulating lakes, Vinh City is implementing a project to build a new regulating lake in Nghi Duc ward, located next to the Vinh - Cua Lo Boulevard, in order to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the living environment for residents. The project covers an area of ​​20.7 hectares, with a total investment of approximately 169 billion VND from the Vinh City budget.

When put into use, this regulating lake will increase the capacity for rainwater drainage, reduce flooding in the wards of Ha Huy Tap, Nghi Phu, and Nghi Duc, regulate the climate, and is in line with the general planning of Vinh City for the period 2030-2050.

Develop a comprehensive plan.

Despite possessing many advantages in terms of location, scenery, and potential for service development, reporters have observed that most of the regulating lakes in Vinh City still face numerous shortcomings in management.

Spontaneous business activities are common around many lakes, especially during the summer. Many households arbitrarily set up stalls, placing tables and chairs, encroaching on sidewalks and walkways around the lake to provide food and beverage services.

Given its existing potential and advantages, Vinh City has repeatedly mentioned the policy of developing a managed economy around its regulating lakes, especially in the direction of building nighttime service spaces, a sector with rich potential but not yet exploited to its full potential.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Le Sy Chien, Vice Chairman of the Vinh City People's Committee, said: "The city has been very concerned about developing the economy from the regulating lakes in recent years and is still pursuing this development model. In the context of limited budget, the rational exploitation of available resources will generate revenue. At the same time, it will help Vinh City have more modern cultural and tourism spaces, improving the quality of life for its people."

Regarding the process, according to Mr. Le Sy Chien, the city has assigned Vinh Urban Infrastructure Management and Development Joint Stock Company and the Finance and Planning Department to coordinate in surveying, developing a comprehensive plan, zoning, and assessing the potential of each lake. Based on that, suitable locations for service activities will be selected.

"

Currently, the Vinh City People's Committee is still developing and finalizing the project, and will seek opinions from provincial departments and agencies before submitting it to the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee for approval in the near future. The goal is to build effective and harmonious "lakeside economic" models that both improve the quality of life for residents and promote economic, cultural, and tourism development in the area...

Mr. Le Sy Chien - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh City

With its abundant lake system, prime location, beautiful scenery, and real community demand, Vinh City possesses favorable conditions for developing a lakeside economic model. However, the success of this approach depends on a well-planned, scientific project, avoiding spontaneous development and ensuring the common good.