Inner districts in Hanoi on March 20 discussed their achievements in implementing the Hanoi Party Committee's Program No.03 regarding urban renovation and development to foster socio-economic growth in 2021-2025.

The discussions focused on inspecting and reviewing the use of old apartment buildings, planting more urban trees, upgrading and building new parks, and improving sidewalks and streets by moving overhead cables underground.

Hoan Kiem District has allocated significant funds for key projects, including the complete underground installation of electrical and telecommunications cables, said Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee.

"We have finished moving all cables underground in the Old Quarter, the historic area, and around Hoan Kiem Lake," he said.

Twelve streets in Chuong Duong and Phuc Tan wards have yet to be included due to their location in a flood drainage area. These areas will be incorporated into future plans, Long added.

Hoan Kiem District has submitted urban design plans for 25 streets to the Department of Planning and Architecture for approval, he said.

For Trang Tien Street, the district raises VND70 billion (US$2.7 million) from private sources to renovate ground-floor shops, while district funds were used to upgrade the upper floors, he added.

The district is also working with French and German organizations to restore historic villas, improve public spaces, and install solar panels on the roof of Dong Xuan Market, chairman Long said.

"Plans are also in place to enhance pedestrian streets, upgrade Cam Chi Alley and Tong Duy Tan Food Street to attract more tourists, and improve infrastructure in Tam Thuong and Yen Thai alleys to prepare for future pedestrian zones."

Efforts are also being made to improve areas around Hoan Kiem Lake, including Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to the north, the power facility near the Department of Culture and Sports headquarters to the east, and the western landscape of the lake, he added.

According to Nguyen Manh Ha, Chairman of Long Bien District People's Committee, the district was assigned 19 targets, 63 tasks, and 22 solutions under the program. It has set seven main goals and 32 specific tasks for implementation from 2021 to 2025.

After more than four years, Long Bien has planted over 14,210 trees, built 20 new parks covering 11.28 hectares, renovated 19 parks, upgraded 13 projects across 334 streets and alleys, and moved all overhead cables underground.

The district has also ensured clean water for all households, built and renovated four markets, completed two specialized shopping streets, and developed a plan for pedestrian zones.

Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Chairman of the City People's Council, and Head of the Program No.03 Steering Committee, praised the districts for their serious and responsible implementation of the program.

He commended their innovative, scientific, and effective approaches, which have engaged all levels of government and the community.

The program has delivered tangible results, contributing to Hanoi's socio-economic growth, urban management, and addressing public concerns. These efforts have helped achieve the goals set by the 17th Hanoi Party Congress, he said.

"The program plays a key role in urban development and economic growth, laying the foundation for Hanoi's future," Tuan said.

On behalf of the Party Committee and Steering Committee, he praised the commitment and efforts of all involved. He emphasized that urban development and economic growth are continuous tasks with no end point.

He urged program members, departments, and districts to remain committed to the program's objectives and align their efforts with national and city policies.

Building on the program's progress, he called for continued promotion of successful models and best practices across Hanoi. Departments should study and apply special policies to refine regulations and ensure consistency in urban planning.

Tuan also highlighted the need to accelerate old apartment renovations, underground cable projects, and the upgrading of parks such as Thong Nhat, Bach Thao, and Ha Dong.

He stressed the importance of advancing key transportation projects, expanding public transport, protecting the environment, and managing wastewater effectively.

"Challenges should be turned into opportunities. We must make full use of Hanoi's special policies under the Capital Law to achieve concrete results," he said.

He also suggested maintaining the program beyond 2025 and expressed confidence that its impact would continue to shape Hanoi into a historic, civilized, and modern city.

At the conference, the Hanoi Party Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 10 organizations and nine individuals, while the Hanoi People's Committee honored 14 organizations and 17 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the program.