Ho Chi Minh City targets 10% annual expansion of roads, alleys

The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee has issued Directive 18 calling for continued efforts to encourage residents to donate land for new, upgraded and expanded roads and alleys across the city.

Under the directive, Party committees in wards, communes, and special administrative zones must review existing roads and alleys, register annual project lists and targets in line with local plans and available resources, with the government and residents sharing responsibility for implementation.

Local authorities are also required to develop plans linking the campaign to urban improvements, new rural development, and efforts to build more modern, livable communities.

The goal is to upgrade or expand at least 10 percent of the city's existing roads and alleys each year.

Priority will be given to alleys less than two meters wide, routes connecting to the broader transport network, and areas at higher risk of fire and other safety hazards.

The city's Party Committee also called for community monitoring teams and digital platforms to publicly disclose and transparently manage accounts receiving public contributions.

For residents who voluntarily donate land but face major impacts on their homes, structures or livelihoods, local authorities must provide appropriate support in accordance with regulations and local conditions to gain public consensus.

Road and alley upgrades must also be coordinated with the undergrounding of power and telecommunications cables, improvements to water supply and drainage systems, and the installation of fire hydrants.

The Party Committee demanded an end to poorly coordinated construction that requires repeated digging and resurfacing, leading to waste and public frustration.