Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing a monumental administrative reorganization, set to reduce its 273 commune-level administrative units (wards and communes) to just 102 by July 1, 2025. This ambitious plan aims to streamline governance, enhance efficiency, and create a two-tier local government structure. The merger involves consolidating numerous wards across districts, introducing new naming conventions that include historically significant names, and managing a significant workforce reduction while striving for seamless public service delivery.
Ho Chi Minh City is on the cusp of a major administrative transformation, as it prepares to officially operate its newly reorganized wards and communes from July 1, 2025. This comprehensive restructuring will see the city's 273 existing commune-level administrative units consolidated into just 102, a reduction of approximately 62.64%. The move is part of a broader national effort to optimize local governance and foster more efficient public service.
The New Administrative Landscape: From 273 to 102 Units
The approved plan will result in Ho Chi Minh City having 78 wards and 24 communes after the reorganization. This dramatic reduction is designed to eliminate overlapping administrative boundaries and streamline operations.
Key changes across districts include:
- Thu Duc City: Merging 34 wards into 12 new wards (e.g., Hiep Binh, Tam Binh, Linh Xuan, Long Binh, etc.).
- District 1: Consolidating 10 wards into 4 new wards, including the historically significant "Saigon" Ward.
- District 3: Reducing 10 wards to 3 new wards (Ban Co, Xuan Hoa, Nhieu Loc).
- District 5: Merging 15 wards into 3 new wards, one of which will be named "Cho Lon," another historically resonant name.
Other Districts: Significant mergers are planned across Districts 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Binh Tan, Go Vap, Tan Binh, and Tan Phu, each reducing their number of wards.
Suburban Districts: Rural districts like Binh Chanh, Cu Chi, Can Gio, and Hoc Mon will also see their communes merged and reduced in number. Notably, Thanh An island commune in Can Gio district will remain intact due to its unique geographical and administrative factors.
A noteworthy aspect of this reorganization is the decision to name all 102 new wards and communes using alphanumeric or new, historically significant names. This includes the return of names such as "Saigon Ward" in District 1, "Cho Lon" in District 5, and "Gia Dinh" in Binh Thanh District, aiming to reconnect with the city's rich heritage.
Goals of the Restructuring: Efficiency and Public Service
The primary objectives behind this large-scale merger are:
Enhanced Governance Efficiency: A reduced number of administrative units is expected to lead to more streamlined decision-making, better resource allocation, and a more responsive local government.
Optimized Resource Utilization: By eliminating redundant administrative structures, the city anticipates more effective use of public funds and assets, potentially converting former district offices into schools and hospitals.
Improved Public Services: Despite the reduction in units, the city aims to maintain or even improve service delivery to citizens and businesses. Commune-level public administration service centers are preparing to operate efficiently from July 1, with a focus on quick resolution of issues.
Economic Development Alignment: The new administrative units are designed to align with the city's socio-economic development goals for the 2025-2030 period, supporting ongoing infrastructure and welfare projects without disruption.
Managing the Transition: Personnel and Public Impact
The reorganization is a monumental undertaking, requiring meticulous planning and execution, especially concerning human resources and public documentation:
Workforce Adjustments: The downsizing will result in a significant number of redundant personnel, estimated at over 11,000 individuals (including both official payroll and part-time staff). The city leadership has emphasized strategic allocation of human resources to prevent overburdening public services and has committed to providing support and policy assistance for affected civil servants.
Document Conversion: Approximately 800,000 people in the newly merged wards will need to adjust personal and business documents such as citizen identification cards, real estate documents, and addresses. Ho Chi Minh City has pledged to exempt all fees and charges for these document conversions and implement proactive guidance and support to minimize inconvenience.
Seamless Operation: The city is conducting test runs of its two-tier local government model, with directives issued to strengthen oversight and provide swift support to the newly established units. A 24/7 hotline for administrative support is also planned to ensure smooth operations and avoid service disruptions.
On June 30, a city-wide ceremony will officially announce the resolutions from the National Assembly and local governments regarding the administrative mergers and the formal launch of new Party organizations and governing bodies in the merged localities. This comprehensive overhaul is a bold step by Ho Chi Minh City to enhance its administrative capabilities and create a more integrated, efficient, and responsive urban environment for its residents and businesses.