Innovating Thinking and Urban Governance Toward Science, Modernity, and Efficiency

On the morning of May 4, Mr. Tran Duy Dong—Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee (PPC)—presided over a conference to hear departmental reports on state management regarding urban planning and development. Attendees included Mr. Vu Viet Van, Vice Chairman of the PPC, along with leaders from various provincial sectors and localities.

Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Tran Duy Dong delivering his keynote speech at the conference.

According to a report from the Department of Construction, the province currently oversees 60 existing urban areas established under transitional regulations, including 5 Grade-II and 55 Grade-III urban centers, serving as hubs for 15 wards and 55 commune centers. The current urbanization rate is approximately 29%.

Urban infrastructure management has yielded positive results. Approximately 1,440km of inner-city roads have been upgraded with synchronized sidewalks, signage, and underground infrastructure. The urban greenery system continues to expand, with Viet Tri managing 47,000 trees, Vinh Yen 28,000, Phuc Yen 17,000, and Hoa Binh over 5,000. Additionally, 86% of the urban population has access to clean water, supported by nine major water suppliers.

However, several challenges persist: infrastructure remains unsynchronized, leading to localized flooding; inappropriate tree species cause sidewalk damage and power grid interference; and the undergrounding of cables is incomplete. Furthermore, 88 old apartment complexes have degraded, failing fire safety and environmental standards.

The Department of Construction proposed a renovation plan under the “Green, Modern, Smart, and Sustainable Urban” model, integrated with the preservation of the Ancestral Land’s cultural heritage. Key tasks include comprehensive infrastructure reviews, the “park-ification” of spiritual spaces, management digitalization, and the reconstruction of old apartments.

Concluding the conference, Chairman Tran Duy Dong emphasized that urban renovation is a vital, regular state management task and an urgent requirement to improve living standards and build a civilized appearance, directly contributing to the province’s double-digit growth targets.

The Chairman demanded that all levels, especially ward and commune leaders, unify their awareness and take decisive responsibility. Localities must innovate urban governance toward science and efficiency, proactively handling issues early to prevent “hotspots” or prolonged violations. Local heads will be fully accountable for any management negligence.

He stressed that renovation must be synchronized and focused, balancing urgent needs with long-term sustainability. Particular attention must be paid to the cultural identity of the Ancestral Land, ensuring harmony between modern development and heritage preservation, and between urban expansion and the protection of natural landscapes, water bodies, and greenery.

Regarding resources, the Chairman requested the effective integration of capital sources and the promotion of “socialization” to mobilize investment from businesses and the public. He assigned the Department of Construction as the focal point to advise the PPC on management and renovation, requiring them to lead projects such as the Urban Development Program, Smart City Project, and specialized schemes for greenery and water supply through 2030.

For degraded old apartments, the Chairman ordered the Department of Construction to complete a comprehensive assessment and propose feasible handling solutions by June 2026. The Department of Finance was tasked with prioritizing resources for these programs to ensure efficiency and avoid wasteful, scattered investment.

Immediately following the conference, the Chairman required all sectors and localities to commence their tasks with high determination and drastic action. He also provided feedback on specific renovation projects in Viet Tri, Nong Trang, Vinh Yen, and Hoa Binh, along with planning budgets and the construction of administrative headquarters for communes and wards across the province.

Dinh Vu