In a significant administrative reshuffle, Tien Giang province is set to establish a new My Tho ward by merging three existing wards, a move aimed at streamlining local governance and improving public service delivery. This change has been officially proposed to enhance the administrative structure in the region.
The new My Tho ward will be formed by combining Ward 1, which covers an area of 1.18 square kilometers and has a population of 20,691; Ward 2, with an area of 1.95 square kilometers and a population of 42,051; and Tan Long Ward, which spans 3.26 square kilometers and has 4,024 residents. Following this merger, the My Tho ward will cover a total area of 6.39 square kilometers and accommodate a population of 66,766, meeting the necessary administrative standards.
Additionally, Go Cong city will undergo a similar transformation, establishing a Go Cong ward through the merger of Ward 1, which is 1.81 square kilometers with 19,339 residents; Ward 5, measuring 1.66 square kilometers and home to 6,220 people; and Long Hoa ward, which is 6.59 square kilometers with a population of 10,565. The new Go Cong ward will encompass 10.06 square kilometers and will serve 36,124 residents.
In the Tân Phú Đông district, plans are underway to reduce the number of commune-level units from six to two, specifically Tan Thoi and Phu Dong communes. Similarly, Tân Phước district will see a reduction from twelve commune-level units to four. These administrative changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance governance efficiency and streamline operations.
To facilitate this transition, the province intends to maintain the current number of civil servants at both district and commune levels to ensure a smooth reassignment of roles. It is estimated that each commune will have an average of 32 staff members, excluding party and union officials. The Tien Giang Provincial People's Committee has directed local authorities to review and allocate existing public assets and headquarters effectively to optimize operational efficiency.
In Ha Long city, the local government has successfully gathered public opinion regarding the arrangement of commune-level administrative units. As of April 14, 2025, the city had collected opinions from 86,675 voters, representing households across 243 villages and neighborhoods. This initiative is part of the city's effort to ensure transparency and public involvement in the administrative restructuring process.
Following the completion of the voter opinion collection on April 17, results indicated that 99.75% of representatives supported the establishment of new administrative units, while 99.4% approved the proposed names for these units. The feedback from the public will play a crucial role in refining the proposal before it is submitted to higher authorities for approval.
Quang Ninh province has also outlined plans to reorganize its commune-level administrative units, aiming to consolidate 51 units into a more streamlined structure. This includes 27 wards, 21 communes, and three special zones. If approved, the restructuring will increase the total number of administrative units to 54, including 30 wards and 22 communes.
In Nghệ An province, the local government is preparing to address the arrangement of its 412 commune-level administrative units, with 308 units currently not meeting the required standards. The proposed plans will see a significant reduction, with the number of administrative units decreasing from 403 to 130, representing a reduction rate of 68.45%.
This restructuring will involve significant changes in several districts, including Thai Hoa town, which plans to reduce nine units to three, and Vinh city, which will cut 33 units down to six. The Chairman of the Nghệ An Provincial People's Committee emphasized the importance of maintaining effective governance while implementing these changes.
On April 18, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council convened to discuss the reorganization of administrative units and the establishment of a two-level local government model. During the session, delegates expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance government efficiency and align with urban development goals.
Delegate Vuong Duc Hoang Quan voiced his agreement with the plan, stating, "This step is essential to improve the effectiveness of the state apparatus, aligning with modern urban development needs." He also endorsed the use of familiar place names in the new administrative designations, which resonate with the city's residents.
Delegate Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue emphasized the historical significance of the proposed names, arguing that they reflect the cultural and emotional connections of the local population. He stated that this initiative is not about abandoning the past but rather about building on historical values in the city's new context.
As part of this administrative restructuring, Ho Chi Minh City has decided to name several new wards after significant historical and cultural landmarks, including Saigon, Cho Lon, and Gia Dinh. This decision has sparked controversy, with some scholars and residents expressing concerns that using these historic names for administrative units undermines their cultural significance.
Despite the backlash, city leaders defend the naming choices, citing the historical context and the presence of iconic structures in the areas. Secretary of the City Party Committee, Nguyen Van Nen, remarked, "The ward is not a reduced district level but the closest grassroots government level to the people." This sentiment was echoed by General Secretary To Lam, who praised the initiative during a recent meeting with voters.
The ongoing discussions surrounding the administrative changes highlight the delicate balance between modernization and the preservation of historical identity. As local governments across Vietnam navigate these transformations, the emphasis remains on enhancing governance while honoring the rich cultural heritage of their communities.
