Ho Chi Minh City converts 29 communes into wards: Don't let urbanization be on paper

Ho Chi Minh City has officially converted 29 communes into wards, a significant administrative change that experts caution could result in "urbanization on paper" if not managed carefully. While these areas meet the criteria for population and administrative size, their underlying development remains largely rural.

Experts, including Dr. Pham Viet Thuan, Director of the Institute for Economic Resources and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City, express concern that the rapid transition might hinder genuine urban development. "The conversion to a ward model without a commensurate urban development foundation will struggle to create new development momentum," Dr. Thuan stated. He highlighted that many of these newly formed wards, particularly in areas like Cu Chi, have not yet developed into distinct urban centers.

A major concern is that these areas may lose access to policies and support from the National New Rural Development Program, which offers 19 development criteria focused on rural life. This could leave residents without essential support while urban infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Experts stress that urbanization requires more than just a change in administrative titles; it necessitates substantial investment in transportation, water and sewage systems, electricity, telecommunications, and integrated development spaces.

Dr. Thuan also pointed out potential issues with spatial organization and administrative boundaries. For instance, the administrative center of Tan An Hoi commune is only about 1.5 km from the former center of Cu Chi town. The conversion of both into wards raises questions about future development direction, functional roles, and urban spatial planning. Experts recommend that Ho Chi Minh City focus on consolidating administrative units for efficiency and developing multi-center urban models supported by cohesive spatial planning and infrastructure.

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The conversion to a ward model without a commensurate urban development foundation will struggle to create new development momentum.