Ho Chi Minh City tightens management of public land, addresses idle assets

Ho Chi Minh City's Municipal Party Committee has issued Directive 14, a stringent new policy aimed at enhancing the management and effective utilization of the city's public land and property assets. The directive seeks to maximize the value of these resources while curbing potential losses and waste.

While acknowledging past successes in allocating public property for official use, the directive highlights persistent problems. These include a significant number of vacant or underutilized public properties, delays in processing surplus assets after organizational restructuring, and incomplete asset data. The committee also noted instances where responsibilities for managing and exploiting these assets were unclear, increasing the risk of encroachment, deterioration, or financial loss.

A key focus of Directive 14 is the accelerated arrangement and disposal of public properties that are either used inefficiently or remain vacant. It mandates that relevant agencies promptly address cases of misuse, unauthorized leasing, or improper joint ventures. For surplus land and property resulting from organizational changes, units must develop feasible and compliant disposal plans to prevent prolonged idleness and resource drain.

The city will prioritize the use of public land and property for public services, including education, healthcare, culture, sports, social welfare, and other public interest objectives. The directive also emphasizes the accountability of leaders, holding them personally responsible for any mismanagement, asset neglect, encroachment, or prolonged vacancy under their watch. Enhanced inspection and monitoring will be implemented to detect violations early, with strict penalties for those found negligent or responsible for asset loss.