Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to discuss the merging of local wards and communes, with a deadline set for August 30. Secretary Trần Lưu Quang emphasized the importance of local administrative units collaborating to reach a consensus on the merger proposals. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by several wards and communes that do not meet the required area and population criteria.

Context of the Proposed Mergers

During a recent dialogue session, Trần Lưu Quang, a member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, confirmed that while the Politburo does not have a directive for further mergers, localities have expressed a desire to reorganize for better alignment with practical conditions. Currently, 54 out of 168 wards and communes in Ho Chi Minh City fail to meet both area and population standards.

Challenges in Merging Local Units

Trần Lưu Quang pointed out that merging certain areas, such as the remote Con Dao district, which is approximately 165 kilometers from the nearest locality, poses significant logistical challenges. Furthermore, the area of the former District 3, which is about 4.7 square kilometers, does not meet the minimum requirement of 5.5 square kilometers for wards. This highlights the complexity of merging administrative units based solely on population and area.

Principles for Administrative Restructuring

Quang outlined four key principles for any proposed mergers: scientific reasoning, caution, consensus, and practical applicability. He stressed that the needs of local residents must be considered, and localities should take the initiative in discussing potential mergers. The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee has tasked local authorities to engage with residents to gauge their opinions on the matter.

Next Steps

Localities are required to compile their proposals and report back to the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee by the end of August. Quang emphasized the need for urgency in this process to avoid wasting resources, especially as the city is preparing to invest in digital infrastructure for local wards and communes.

In conclusion, while the potential for merging local administrative units exists, it will be driven by local needs and practical considerations, ensuring that any changes are beneficial for the community.