Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, and Deputy Head of Hanoi's National Assembly Delegation, on June 24 led a municipal delegation to meet with voters in Hoan Kiem District.

The meeting took place ahead of the June special session and the mid-year regular session of the Hanoi People's Council, 16th tenure (2021-2026).

At the event, council members briefed the voters on the agenda for the upcoming meetings, presented a summary of Hanoi's socioeconomic and security developments in the first half of 2025, outlined key tasks for the second half of the year, and delivered a consolidated report on responses to previous voter petitions.

Hoan Kiem voters expressed strong agreement with the meeting agendas and praised the city's achievements in economic development, national defense, and public security.

They raised concerns about the implementation of the new two-tier local government model, which will officially take effect from July 1.

In particular, the voters were concerned about administrative inconveniences following the merger of wards, including longer wait times and travel distances for essential paperwork.

They suggested establishing more administrative offices to help residents, especially the elderly, who may not be familiar with online procedures.

Voters from Cua Dong Ward urged the city to consider using surplus public facilities from the ward mergers for community activities, such as cultural events, sports, and local meetings.

Voters from Hang Bai Ward proposed that newly established ward-level governments shift from passive problem-solving to a proactive and service-oriented approach that better meets the needs of citizens and businesses.

Voters from Hang Ma Ward called on the city to accelerate the long-delayed renovation of the 132 stone arches along the approach to Long Bien Bridge.

They emphasized that the project, intended to create a cultural and tourism space in the Old Quarter, was approved in 2017 but remains stalled, disrupting daily life.

In response, Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan acknowledged the voters' candid and constructive feedback, especially as Hanoi is preparing to implement the new two-tier government structure.

He emphasized that the city has made thorough preparations in terms of personnel, infrastructure, and logistics to ensure the smooth transition of local governments beginning July 1.

According to Tuan, Hanoi's wards and communes have been piloting public administrative services and citizen-related tasks under the new model since June 20.

Despite ongoing challenges, Hanoi has achieved important results in the first half of 2025. The city's GRDP grew by an estimated 7.6%, and as of June 11, budget revenue reached over VND369 trillion (US$14 billion), fulfilling 73% of the annual target. Foreign direct investment was estimated at USD2.9 billion, the highest in the country.

Tuan highlighted continued urban development efforts, including upgrades to public parks and gardens such as Dien Hong, Co Tan, and Tao Dan in Hoan Kiem District.

The city is also speeding up key infrastructure projects like the Ring Road No.4, several Red River bridges (Thuong Cat, Tu Lien, Tran Hung Dao, and Ngoc Hoi), and environmental initiatives such as wastewater treatment and the cleanup of the To Lich River and other urban rivers.

He urged Hoan Kiem's authorities to ensure the restructured political and administrative apparatus is operational from day one, with no disruptions to public services.

The top legislator also called for attention to support policies for civil servants, especially part-time workers at local levels, during the transition.

Tuan encouraged Party committees and local governments in the newly formed wards of Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam to uphold traditions of unity and innovation while focusing on economic growth, national security, and public service.

He emphasized the importance of preparing thoroughly for upcoming Party Congresses and the 2026-2031 elections for the National Assembly and local councils.

Addressing specific voter concerns, Tuan confirmed that allowances for part-time commune-level officials would be maintained until the end of May 2026.

After that, the city would evaluate appropriate roles and policies. Regarding the use of surplus public properties, he said the city is developing a comprehensive plan to avoid waste and maximize their utility.

For delayed public investment projects like the Long Bien Bridge arches, chairman Tuan urged local authorities to push forward with implementation.

As for the role of the People's Council at the grassroots level after restructuring, he affirmed that council activities will continue to be strengthened to remain close and responsive to the people.

Chairman Tuan concluded by expressing hope that Hoan Kiem leaders will maintain their momentum and traditions as the city transitions to a new governance model.

He also called on local voters to stay engaged and responsible in helping build vibrant, green, clean, and prosperous communities.