Effective planning management seen as foundation for Quang Tri’s urban development

On June 15, 2023, the provincial People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1234/QD-UBND approving the adjusted master plan for Dong Ha City until 2045. The approved master plan serves as a basis for local authorities and relevant departments to implement sub-plans and detailed plans, facilitating basic construction investment and attracting investment for urban development. In this regard, reporters from Quang Tri Newspaper held discussions with leaders from the Department of Construction, the municipal People’s Committee, and representatives from the Dong Ha City People’s Council.

Director of Quang Tri Department of Construction Nguyen Thanh Hai: Necessity to finalize regulations to manage urban planning and architectural design

We understand that effective planning, implementation, and management of urban development are crucial foundations for attracting investment, both in localities in general and specifically in Dong Ha city. The planning must ensure harmony, economic efficiency, ecological balance, respect for topography and natural landscapes, and environmental friendliness, all while ensuring sustainable ecosystem development and affirming urban identity.

Currently, the adjusted general urban plan for Dong Ha city up to 2045 has been approved by the provincial People’s Committee. The city’s primary task is to expedite the completion of the sub-zone planning adjustments in the remaining wards, which are essential for investment and construction activities. During the adjustment process, it is important to address the suggestions from organizations and individuals related to the general planning project. If necessary, proposals for specific adjustments to the approved general plan should be made to meet the needs of the local population.

Special attention should be given to reviewing and canceling outdated plans, particularly in areas where communities have long been established but are not reflected in appropriate planning, such as the Khe Lap Lake area, the northern Vinh Phuoc River, and Khe May Lake. Detailed planning should be implemented in areas anticipated for upcoming projects to serve as a basis for investment and the development of technical and social infrastructure, ensuring the city meets the criteria for a Class II urban area.

This framework will also facilitate the renovation and upgrading of existing urban areas, allowing for the issuance of construction permits for organizations and residents. Additionally, efforts should be made to finalize the regulations for urban planning management and architectural design, and to develop investment attraction proposals, particularly in areas related to drainage, wastewater treatment, and urban greenery.

In terms of planning execution, the city must actively collaborate with relevant units to attract investments and urban development projects, prioritizing project bidding and land use rights auctions to develop well-integrated and modern urban areas with appealing architecture.

Investment resources should be prioritized to address and improve the shortcomings in urban infrastructure and landscape quality, according to Class II urban standards. There should be a focus on mobilizing resources, especially from the community, to increase urban greenery, and appropriate funding should be allocated for land clearance to maintain flood escape corridors, ensuring adaptation to climate change in line with local conditions. Efforts should be made to encourage social investment in projects like parks and playgrounds within residential areas.

Regarding planning management, it is imperative to strictly adhere to the approved plans while limiting adjustments and changes in the functionality of public land. If adjustments are necessary, they must be accompanied by alternative land solutions that effectively serve the community. Public awareness should be heightened regarding planning and management regulations to foster understanding, consensus, and community participation in the execution, management, and oversight of urban planning and architecture.

Increased supervision of construction activities is essential to prevent illegal or improper building practices, encroachments on public land, roads, and flood corridors. Organizing design competitions and selecting architectural proposals for new constructions will gradually shape beautiful urban architectural and landscape axes. Enhanced inspections should also be conducted to implement appropriate fire prevention measures in densely populated areas and rental housing, minimizing the risk of fire incidents.

Vice Chairman of Dong Ha People’s Committee Pham Van Dung: Focus resources on finalizing urban planning projects

Immediately after the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee approved the adjusted general plan for Dong Ha city up to 2045, the Dong Ha City People’s Committee focused on directing the preparation of sub-zone planning for all nine wards in two phases. The first phase has completed the approval of sub-zone plans for five wards undergoing significant urban changes: Dong Thanh, Dong Giang, Dong Le, Dong Luong, and Ward 3. The second phase, covering the remaining wards (Ward 1, 2, 4, and 5), is expected to be completed by February 2025.

In addition, the city has organized the development of detailed planning for various areas to proactively attract investments in constructing modern and integrated urban zones. Furthermore, the city has prepared and received provincial approval for the Urban Development Program for Dong Ha city until 2045, which serves as a vital legal basis for urban construction and development in alignment with the approved planning orientation.

Currently, Dong Ha city has been recognized by the Prime Minister as a Class II urban area. However, many standards still need to be met to achieve the city’s development goals, particularly in urban planning and infrastructure development. Therefore, in the coming time, the city will focus on completing urban planning projects and concentrate resources on urban development according to the approved planning and development program.

This includes enhancing urban renovation projects, such as the Central Coastal Urban Development project aimed at green growth and climate change adaptation—specifically, the Dong Ha sub-project (AFD), the urban renewal project for the city center, and the Phan Dinh Phung drainage project.

Simultaneously, the city will coordinate with provincial departments to complete land clearance work to expedite the construction of key projects, such as the Eastern Bypass and the coastal road connecting the East-West Economic Corridor. The focus will be on attracting investment to develop urban areas, gradually completing urban infrastructure to meet the standards of a Class II urban area.

Deputy Head of the Socio-Economic Department under Dong Ha People’s Council Ho Sy An: Attach responsibility to leadership in land clearance efforts

Land clearance for key projects in Dong Ha City is a crucial and sensitive task that directly affects land users, various economic sectors, and especially the livelihoods of residents in the impacted areas.

Over the years, thanks to the decisive and consistent guidance from local party committees and government authorities, along with innovative and flexible solutions, the Dong Ha City People’s Committee, relevant agencies, and ward administrations have continuously improved the quality and effectiveness of land clearance efforts. They have issued numerous specific directives for each project, agency, and organization involved.

Despite these achievements, challenges and issues remain in the land clearance process. Public communication and persuasion regarding compensation and support for land clearance during project implementation still face difficulties. Additionally, some policies and compensation rates have been slow to adjust, failing to align with the current realities.

To address these issues, the Dong Ha City People’s Committee needs to enhance its oversight of the ward administrations and agencies responsible for compensation and land clearance. The roles and responsibilities of local leaders and relevant departments must be clearly defined in this process. Efforts to raise awareness about compensation, support, and resettlement policies should be strengthened through diverse and effective communication methods.

The committee should direct all agencies involved in land clearance to work closely and in harmony with community organizations and associations to encourage residents to comply with the party’s guidelines and state laws on compensation and land clearance for project development. Local party committees and government bodies, particularly grassroots units, should prioritize this as a key political task.

All levels, sectors, and units should integrate land clearance leadership into their annual work plans and treat it as a primary and ongoing responsibility. The city’s land clearance steering committee should enhance its leadership and oversight, promptly addressing and taking strict action against any individuals or organizations that delay or fail to fulfill their roles as per the coordination regulations.

Thanh Truc - Ngoc Mai