City Decentralizes Infrastructure Management to Communes

Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

HCM City has approved the decentralization of certain infrastructure management tasks to commune-level committees, aiming to boost efficiency and accountability. Vice Chairman Bùi Xuân Cường announced this initiative, which is intended to streamline the supervision of technical and transport infrastructure. The decision is the result of input from the city’s Department of Construction, which seeks a more integrated management system.

Commune-level authorities will now oversee local infrastructure such as rainwater drainage within their boundaries, regulating reservoirs, and localized wastewater systems. Public gardens under one hectare, residential area parks, and privately operated lighting systems also fall under their purview. This gives local authorities the chance to directly manage community-based infrastructure, addressing specific neighborhood needs.

Special zones like Thạnh An Island will see commune-level committees fully manage their technical systems, catering to their distinct geographic and administrative demands. Larger infrastructure projects with broader technical scopes will remain under the Department of Construction's jurisdiction. These include significant public parks, the street tree network, urban lighting, and special-grade facilities.

By delineating responsibilities, the city aims to eliminate overlaps and optimize resource use. The municipal People’s Committee has tasked the Department of Construction to collaborate with the Department of Justice to review administrative procedures. This will ensure the new framework complies with national laws.

The move is part of a shift towards a two-tier governance model, clearly defining responsibilities between city and commune levels. Experts anticipate improvements in infrastructure maintenance, greater accountability, and better urban management. The city, with over 10 million residents, battles challenges like drainage and green space management, underscoring the need for localized solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Decentralization aims to enhance efficiency and local accountability.
• Commune committees will manage smaller, localized infrastructure.
• Larger, complex projects remain with the Department of Construction.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-09-17