Construction minister suggests solutions to urban development issues
Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi noted several causes of and solutions to some urban development issues while fielding questions from legislators at the National Assembly’s ongoing fourth session in Hanoi on November 3.
Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi speaks at the parliament's ongoing fourth session on November 3. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi noted several causes of and solutions to some urban development issues while fielding questions from legislators at the National Assembly’s ongoing fourth session in Hanoi on November 3.
Tran Van Lam, a deputy from Bac Giang northern province, pointed out frequent flooding in big cities like Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Hanoi, as well as urban areas in Lao Cai and Quang Ninh provinces, whenever heavy rains occur. He also complained about traffic congestion as a result of the high-density construction.
These issues have existed for a long time but have yet to be addressed, he said.
Admitting unsolved flooding in cities, Minister Nghi said the main causes include the natural conditions of those areas, climate change, fast urbanisation that has led to shrinking lakes and ponds, thus reducing water drainage capacity, planning yet to meet development demand, slow drainage projects, and limited resources for infrastructure.
In the time ahead, the Construction Ministry will focus on improving planning which must take into account climate change and sea level rise, invest more in urban infrastructure, promote inspections of construction activities, and concertedly build water supply facilities, he noted.
Replying to a question about degraded housing and infrastructure in many residential areas in Hanoi, the official said in recent years, many localities have boosted urban development through housing construction. Many residential and housing areas have been built, but a number of them haven’t handed over technical infrastructure to local authorities for management.
He blamed that problem on vague legal regulations on construction and urban development, prolonged project implementation, some investors lacking a sense of responsibility towards infrastructure maintenance, and limited resources of local administrations.
The ministry will continue overhauling legal rules, assign detailed responsibility for urban infrastructure management to the parties concerned, and propose administrative fines for violations of rules in this regard, Nghi added./.
The 15th National Assembly (NA) continued its fourth session on October 24 – the fourth working day, with the draft revised law on medical examination and treatment among issues under consideration.
The National Assembly's Committee for Science, Technology and Environment on October 25 afternoon urged more detailed and precise provisions to ensure the product quality, rights of relevant parties and proper consumption culture during transactions conducted in cyberspace.
Some legislators have pointed out the need to pay due attention to income and the working environment for civil servants and public employees amid a recent wave of worker resignations.
Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Nguyen Thi Hong has underlined the need for proactive and flexible response to changes to control inflation and stabilise the macro-economy while talking about some issues mentioned by legislators on October 28.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) will coordinate with the State Bank of Vietnam to remove difficulties for petroleum enterprises in accessing credit guarantee funds in a bid to prevent disruption in the domestic market.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi speaks at the parliament's ongoing fourth session on November 3. (Photo: VNA) 
