The new urban landscape of Picenza Riverside urban area, Son La province.

According to a report from the Son La Department of Construction, from the beginning of 2024, the Department has consistently focused on construction management, from the investment preparation phase to the project appraisal process, design drawings, and construction cost estimates, in accordance with the Construction Law and guiding documents. This has yielded positive results. The improved quality of appraisals has contributed to preventing losses and waste, and enhancing the efficiency of capital investment in construction projects.

In the first six months of the year, the Department of Construction organized the inspection and acceptance of 36 construction projects (1 project of level II and 35 projects of level III); and the construction of 12 level III projects, ensuring compliance with procedures and timelines. It also coordinated with specialized construction management departments to manage the quality of construction projects in the province. Specifically: inspecting the implementation of legal regulations in the areas of state management of the construction sector for 14 projects of the Song Ma District People's Committee; coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to inspect and accept the completion of construction projects for 6 projects; and coordinating with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to inspect land subsidence in Nong Son village, Chieng Sung commune, Mai Son district, Son La province.

The process of issuing construction permits has always ensured compliance with State regulations. The entire province has issued construction permits for 425 projects. Of these, 419 are individual houses; and 6 are projects (2 projects/works were licensed by the Department). There were 8 cases of construction violating permits, 9 cases of construction without permits, and 3 cases of other violations.

Approved urban planning projects are managed in accordance with current regulations. For plans that are due for adjustment or require adjustments due to development needs, these adjustments are being implemented according to regulations. The quality of planning projects is constantly improving, ensuring consistency and compatibility across different planning levels. In particular, emphasis is placed on the requirements for sustainable urban development and management during the planning process; orienting the development of the urban system in the province with synchronous, modern, distinctive, smart, environmentally friendly infrastructure that is adaptable to climate change.

Currently, the Department is coordinating with the People's Committees of districts and cities to review, prepare, and adjust regional construction plans and functional zone construction plans in the province to attract investment and leverage the province's potential and strengths in natural conditions, culture, and agricultural production to develop tourism, agricultural processing industries, and high-tech applications. Regular reviews and adjustments are being made to existing urban master plans, leading to the creation, adjustment, and supplementation of sub-area plans and detailed plans in accordance with the approved master plan, contributing to increasing the coverage rate of the plans. The Department continues to develop the regional construction plan for Quynh Nhai district until 2030, with a vision to 2050. Focus is also being placed on preparing and adjusting the master plan for the Moc Chau National Tourist Area until 2045; and the master plan for the Ta Xua Tourist Area and surrounding areas in Bac Yen district.

Review and adjust the plans for 4 urban areas (Moc Chau urban area; Phu Yen town, Phu Yen district; Quynh Nhai town, Quynh Nhai district; and Yen Chau town, Yen Chau district), bringing the total number of urban areas in the 2021-2025 period to 8. Focus on developing the general urban plan for the new Ngoc Chien urban area in Muong La district. Organize the implementation of the zoning plans under the Van Ho urban general plan (High-tech agricultural production and mixed commercial and tourism services area, Van Ho district, Son La province - Zone 4; Ecological and nature conservation area, tourism service development and agricultural and forestry production - Zone 5). Develop zoning plans under the Moc Chau urban general plan (Zoning plans No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Regarding rural planning, by the end of 2013, Son La province had 188 out of 188 communes that had completed criterion number 1. Currently, the People's Committees of districts and cities are reviewing, adjusting, and developing general construction plans for communes to meet the requirements of the new phase of advanced rural development.

However, alongside the achievements, some difficulties remain, such as: Some investors have not thoroughly researched the regulations and procedures in the construction sector; some consulting units preparing investment policy proposals and project proposals have not closely followed the regulations, standards, and economic and technical norms for construction, leading to investment policy proposals and project proposals requiring multiple revisions.

Mr. Ha Ngoc Chung, Director of the Son La Department of Construction, stated: In the coming period, the Department will continue to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of its advisory work on construction and promote decentralization in the management and investment of construction projects in a manner consistent with local realities. Simultaneously, it will guide localities in strictly implementing legal regulations on construction investment, the preparation, appraisal, and approval of construction investment projects, construction drawings, and cost estimates to districts and cities throughout the province. Furthermore, the Department will strengthen inspection and supervision, closely monitor the situation, promptly identify obstacles and shortcomings in the management of construction investment activities, and propose solutions to address and rectify them in a timely manner.

Source: Construction Newspaper