Vietnam is witnessing significant shifts in its administrative landscape, particularly in rural areas, with recent moves aimed at enhancing local governance. Following the government's decision to eliminate district-level administrative units and expand the scope of communes, authorities are now advocating for urban-style house numbering and street naming in rural regions. This initiative aims to streamline public administration and improve residents' quality of life.
In a recent interview, Mr. Le Nhu Tien, former deputy of the National Assembly, highlighted that many rural locales currently lack proper street names, often resorting to folk terms to identify their pathways. He emphasized, "This situation causes difficulties in locating addresses, especially for transportation and public services." He noted that while some regions have taken steps to adopt consistent naming conventions, a lack of standardization has led to confusion and inefficiencies in navigation.
Adding to the complication, Mr. Tien pointed out that many localities tend to name streets after renowned figures or historical sites without employing specific guidelines, which often results in duplicated names or inappropriate selections. He stated, "Many places have not prioritized street naming, believing it is only necessary in urban centers, which is a misconception." Consequently, the absence of organized house numbering has prompted residents to assign personal numbers arbitrarily, exacerbating the problem of address identification.
As urbanization surges, infrastructure has developed rapidly, yet existing numbering systems fail to keep pace. "With the increasing number of complaints regarding poor address identification, a comprehensive approach is needed, particularly in rural and mountainous regions," Mr. Tien insisted. Thus, it is imperative that authorities synchronize the naming of streets and numbering of houses, especially in areas labeled as economically vulnerable.
Mr. Nguyen Tuc, a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the proper planning and organization of residential addresses are essential for managing public services post-reorganization. He remarked, "Street naming and house numbering are crucial for economic and social development in rural areas." This will facilitate better access to transportation services, including emergency responses and delivery logistics.
The potential benefits of these administrative changes are becoming more evident. Notably, this infrastructure improvement could foster a more civilized and modern image for rural communities, enriching their identities while bridging the gap towards urbanization.
At the same time, the Vietnamese real estate market has been experiencing noticeable fluctuations, influenced largely by speculation surrounding potential merged municipalities in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and surrounding provinces. In a conversation with Mr. Dinh Minh Tuan, the southern director of Batdongsan.com.vn, it was revealed that interest in real estate surged markedly due to these merger talks, causing some investors to rush into the market. He remarked, "After the merger information spread, interest in real estate search increased significantly in some areas, including a notable 41% increase in Nhon Trach district alone."
Mr. Tuan reported that subsequent to the announcements, prices in various localities jumped significantly—some by as much as 20%. Yet, he cautioned investors about the potential risks of these investments, stating, "Real estate has many risks, especially for new investors. Buying in high-demand areas could lead to purchases significantly above the real value of properties."
The Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS) concurred with Mr. Tuan’s perspective, asserting that while property values surge amidst mergers, this trend is not new to the Vietnamese market. They emphasized that previous iterations suggest a consistent pattern where announcements regarding new planning initiatives often lead to short-term price increases, driven by what’s known as FOMO (fear of missing out), particularly among investors eager for profit.
Nevertheless, VARS also posited that the mergers could ultimately yield long-term positive impacts on the real estate landscape by simplifying project implementation procedures, thus boosting supply, especially in the affordable housing sector. This potential opportunity could provide affordability for families seeking viable housing options amid rising market prices.
Amid these developments, Mr. Tuan reiterated the need for tempered optimism—urging future investors to remain cautious about the dynamics at play. "While the merger presents a significant opportunity for growth, one must consider long-term infrastructural developments and overarching societal demands that will dictate sustainable value increases in the real estate market."
As for the broader implications of the ongoing administrative reform, Mr. Le Ngoc Quang, Secretary of the Quang Binh Provincial Party Committee, emphasized that restructuring administrative units can significantly influence public sentiment. He stated, "It is necessary to do a good job of political and ideological work, avoid causing public panic; direct dialogues between the government and the public must occur to clarify merger reasons and the anticipated benefits."
With the merging of provinces proceeding, there is an urgent call for coordination and efficient planning in both naming and numbering systems, while controlling the real estate market’s speculative tendencies, to ensure that Vietnam’s rural regions cultivate their identities without losing sight of urban conveniences.
