Hanoi Tackles Neglected Government Buildings After Administrative Reforms

Hanoi is taking steps to prevent former government office buildings from becoming neglected assets after administrative reforms led to the consolidation of local government units. While many districts have repurposed surplus buildings into community spaces, some prime locations are now closed, deteriorating, or being used improperly.

In Ha Dong district, several former administrative sites are experiencing neglect. One notable example is a two-story building with classic architecture at 10 Le Loi Street, which shows signs of decay due to lack of use and maintenance. Overgrown vines climb its walls, and the doors remain shut, while the sidewalk in front has been taken over by motorcycle parking.

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If you don't have a specific plan for use, you could rent it out temporarily; it's better than locking it up to face the elements, wasting resources and ruining the common beauty of the neighborhood.

Similarly, the former Nguyễn Trãi ward health station on Nhuệ Giang Street is now abandoned following administrative boundary changes. Its exterior walls are peeling, revealing stained concrete, and the interior is filled with dusty, scattered furniture. The metal security shutters at the entrance are rusted, and the front awning is dilapidated. Residents nearby are concerned, suggesting that if no specific use plan exists, these buildings could be temporarily leased rather than left to deteriorate, wasting resources and spoiling the neighborhood's appearance.

The issue extends to other districts. In Thanh Xuan ward, the former Thanh Xuan Trung ward People's Committee building, despite recent renovations, remains unused. In Ha Dong, two buildings belonging to the ward's cultural and information center, located at 36 Quang Trung and 12 Bà Triệu streets, are also closed and awaiting plans for utilization. The center's director, Nguyễn Đức Tiến, explained that while they have a main office, they were obligated to take over these additional sites. One site is severely degraded, while the other, though in good condition, cannot be rented out without an approved utilization plan, to avoid legal issues.

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Because it was a task assigned by the Party Committee and People's Committee of Ha Dong ward, the center was compelled to accept it for the time being.