Amplifying Urban Planning and Development Management

In 2023, the Thua Thien Hue Construction Department diligently directed specialized agencies and affiliated units to execute sectoral development tasks. They actively provided counsel on policy formulation and offered insightful comments on draft legal regulations related to construction. Additionally, the department effectively fulfilled its responsibilities concerning planning, architecture, urban and technical infrastructure development, construction management, work quality, and the housing and real estate market.

The development of the Hue urban area is aligned with the commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the intrinsic value of the heritages and the distinctive cultural identity of the ancient city

The department diligently focused on guiding, encouraging and overseeing localities in the preparation, evaluation, approval and management of construction plans, urban design, planning management regulations and urban architecture. It provided insights on planning projects, planning management regulations, urban architecture, significant urban plans, large-scale construction investment projects and specific local requirements.

The department advised the Provincial People’s Committee to issue Plan 164/KH-UBND dated April 24, 2021, concerning Thua Thien Hue construction planning for the 2021 - 2025 period. This plan serves as a foundation for organizing and implementing general planning and zoning planning projects, with the aim to include urban zoning planning and construction zoning planning in the Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone, industrial parks, tourist areas and other crucial functional areas.

Furthermore, the department counseled the Provincial People’s Committee to issue Plan 208/KH-UBND dated June 5, 2023, and Decision 73/2021/QD-UBND dated November 26, 2021. These documents pertain to regulations on the assignment, decentralization and authorization of construction planning management within the province.

Planning projects were meticulously prepared, evaluated and approved in accordance with regulations, with a particular emphasis on soliciting feedback from the community, local authorities, agencies, organizations and professional associations. The department liaised with the Ministry of Construction and submitted both general urban plans and specific plans to the Provincial People’s Council for approval.

Architectural management was executed in a synchronized and effective manner. To date, Thua Thien Hue has established a provincial regional construction plan (2011), two district regional plans, 15 urban area plans, 95 commune plans, 55 subdivision plans, and 163 detailed plans. The coverage rate of zoning plans relative to the urban construction land area is approximately 62.25%, and the coverage rate of detailed plans is around 15.4%.

Moreover, urban construction and development management have seen significant advancements. The province currently boasts 15 urban areas: one first-class urban area (Hue City), three fourth-class urban areas, and 11 fifth-class urban areas (comprising seven towns and four new urban areas). The urbanization rate stands at about 58%. Hue City is designated as a central urban area, a core urban area where investment resources are concentrated on renovating, upgrading, and beautifying the inner-city traffic system, sidewalks, drainage system, lighting system and green spaces. The city has also accelerated the relocation, clearance and resettlement of households residing in relic protection areas and the beautification and dredging of some main rivers (Ngu Ha, Dong Ba, An Cuu) and Hoc Hai Lake.

Numerous significant urban infrastructure projects, both completed and in progress, have contributed to the transformation of Hue City and its satellite urban areas. Notably, these projects include the pedestrian road network connection project in the south of the Huong River, funded by KOICA, the Hue City Water Environment Improvement Project, the surveillance camera installation project in the city, the artistic lighting of Truong Tien Bridge, the Hung Vuong 6 intersection upgrade project, and upgrade projects along both banks of the Huong River and Nguyen Dinh Chieu walking street.

Towns such as Huong Thuy, Huong Tra, Thuan An, Phu Da and Sia, along with other urban areas, have seen substantial investment in infrastructure construction and upgrade projects. These initiatives aim to facilitate economic and social development, meet the needs of the people, and enhance their quality of life. The technical infrastructure in An Van Duong New Urban Area has been invested in to create a more expansive and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Significantly, the department expedited the completion of key infrastructure development projects such as National Highways 49A, National Highway 49B, the Cam Lo - La Son Expressway, and the expansion of the passenger terminal at Phu Bai International Airport. In the coming time, the province will continue to prioritize investment resources for routes that connect the central urban area with satellite urban areas, aiming to stimulate development and enhance socioeconomic growth. These routes include Phu My-Thuan An Road, Cho Mai-Tan My Road, the western road from Tam Giang Lagoon to Cau Hai (Phu My-Phu Da section), the coastal road, the bridge across Thuan An estuary, Nguyen Hoang Street, bridges over the Huong River, the extension of To Huu Road to Phu Bai Airport, and Ring Road 3.

Mr. Nguyen Dai Vien, Director of the Thua Thien Hue Construction Department, said that the department continued to implement Resolution 54-NQ/TW, dated December 10, 2020, from the Politburo on Thua Thien Hue construction and development through 2030, with a vision to 2045. Specifically, the department has focused on executing projects that classify the Phong Dien urban area to meet the criteria for a fifth-class urban area, and classifying the Thua Thien Hue urban area to meet the criteria for a first-class centrally governed urban area. This is done while preserving and promoting the heritage values and cultural identity of Hue. The department has also reported assessments of local infrastructure development levels to establish districts and wards and has reviewed urban classification criteria for recognized urban areas in the province. Additionally, the department has coordinated with the Department of Home Affairs to implement the project on the formation of a centrally run city.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum