Phu Tho ready to lunch two-level local government model

As of June 23, Phu Tho province is preparing for the pilot launch of the two-level local government model at 12 commune- and ward-level administrative units across seven districts and towns. In Cam Khe District alone, all six new communes began piloting the model on June 20. These communes and wards are racing against time to ensure all conditions are in place. Following the trial period, they will review and draw lessons in preparation for the model’s official implementation starting July 1.

The current Thanh Son District Public Administration Center will serve as the citizen reception headquarters for the new Thanh Son Commune.

Overcoming initial challenges

According to the Provincial Party Committee’s Organizing Commission, the 12 administrative units piloting the model include six communes in Cam Khe District—Cam Khe, Tien Luong, Van Ban, Phu Khe, Hung Viet, and Dong Luong—as well as Trung Son Commune (Yen Lap District), Thanh Ba Commune (Thanh Ba District), Huong Can Commune (Thanh Son District), Thanh Thuy Commune (Thanh Thuy District), Tam Nong Commune (Tam Nong District), and Au Co Ward (Phu Tho Town).

At Hung Viet Commune in Cam Khe District—newly established from the merger of Hung Viet and Nhat Tien Communes, with an estimated population of 25,000—preparations are in full swing. Offices are being renovated, equipment installed, and personnel trained to launch the commune’s new Public Administration Service Center.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Phu, Chairman of the Hung Viet Commune People’s Committee, shared, “The center is based at the former Citizen Reception and Result Delivery Department. We’ve nearly completed installation of essential equipment. We’ve assigned seven civil servants to handle administrative procedures—all of whom have been trained and are ready to operate smoothly when we officially begin.”

Cam Khe Commune—the largest newly merged locality, combining Cam Khe Town and the communes of Minh Tan and Phong Thinh—has a population of more than 47,000. On its second day of piloting the model, June 23, the commune’s public administration center received around 150 individuals, organizations, and businesses. Thirteen staff members have been assigned across service areas. Many of them are learning and adapting quickly to their new roles.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa, formerly Vice Chairwoman of the Commune People’s Council and now serving as a civil servant at the reception desk, said, “My colleagues and I have been self-training and supporting each other in mastering the professional skills required to assist citizens—with dedication and a warm, helpful attitude.”

While facilities and personnel are being put in place, future upgrades in information technology are planned to further streamline services.

Thanh Son District, with its large mountainous terrain, faces more difficulty. After the merger, the district’s 23 communes and towns will be reduced to seven new administrative units. High numbers of civil servants have opted for early retirement—in some communes like Kha Cuu, Yen Son, and Luong Nha, nearly 50% have stepped down—posing challenges in staffing and transition.

Ms. Dinh Thi Kieu An, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Thanh Son District Party Committee, noted, “Key commune leaders have proactively conducted on-site inspections of facilities and readiness. All necessary paperwork, records, and documents have been finalized and submitted to the new commune centers.”

Initial operations will rely on existing infrastructure. In cases where facilities are insufficient, workspaces will be divided among three sites: the headquarters of the Party Committee and People’s Committee, the People’s Council and mass organizations, and the commune police force.

With the guiding principle of efficient implementation and seamless public service, the Standing Committee of the District Party Committee has held regular meetings to align closely with provincial and central directives. Special emphasis is placed on staff appointments—ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with regulations—to foster unity and consensus.

At the Cam Khe Commune Public Administration Center, staff assist citizens with land-related administrative procedures.

Fully ready for launch

At the Au Co Ward Public Administration Center in Phu Tho Town, Ms. Vi Thi Hai Ly of Zone 4, Ha Loc Commune, expressed her excitement: “Implementing the two-level government model means less travel and waiting. For example, today I’m transferring a land plot—and I only needed to visit the Au Co Ward Center to complete everything. Before, I had to go from the commune to the town level.”

Mr. Nguyen Huy Quang of Zone 1, Thanh Minh Commune, added, “This is my first time experiencing this new model. Thanks to the guidance of staff, I was able to submit documents electronically—it’s very convenient and saves time and effort.”

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Tam, Deputy Head of the Justice Department of Phu Tho Town, stated, “In line with the principle of centralized planning and localized operation, we’ve proactively prepared infrastructure, personnel, and especially IT equipment to ensure smooth operation of the two-level government model from July 1.”

At Hung Viet Commune, Cam Khe District—with its high population—authorities anticipate the current administration center may not be large enough and are studying plans for expansion. For now, operations are split between the former Van Khuc Commune headquarters (Party bloc) and Hung Viet Commune headquarters (government bloc).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Head of the District Justice Department, commented, “Though the pilot has just begun, staff have adapted quickly with a proactive and flexible spirit. We’re continuing to refine the administrative structure and clarify responsibilities between departments to build a more efficient and citizen-oriented local government.”

During the pilot phase, Cam Khe District’s new communes will operate both the old and new systems in parallel. The old system will process applications until June 30, while the new system will simulate the full process, producing legally valid results. After the pilot ends, local leaders will evaluate the implementation process—recognizing both strengths and challenges—to ensure full readiness for official launch.

With careful preparation in facilities, staffing, and planning—and lessons learned from the pilot program—the two-level government model is expected to operate successfully across all 148 new commune-level administrative units in Phu Tho Province.

PTO