Localities made these proposals after one year of operating a two-tier government and researching administrative unit rearrangement plans for the 2026-2030 period.

On 21/8, the Sai Gon Ward Party Committee agreed to propose maintaining its current administrative boundaries. The local authority stated that its administrative apparatus has stabilized after one year of operation. Not proceeding with further rearrangements would limit disruption and maintain service quality for residents and businesses.

Sai Gon Ward spans over 3 km2 with a population of approximately 47,000, serving as a central core area rich in agencies, businesses, and commercial and service activities. This year, the ward estimates budget revenue exceeding VND 10,400 billion.

An aerial view of the former Districts 1 and 4. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

In the same central area, Ben Thanh Ward, covering about 1,85 km2, features major transport routes, cultural and tourist sites, and vibrant economic activities. According to Hoang Thi To Nga, secretary of the ward Party Committee, both the Party Committee and residents wish to maintain the current administrative boundaries and organization to enhance management effectiveness.

Tan Dinh Ward, approximately 1,23 km2 with over 48,500 residents, also agreed not to adjust its administrative boundaries for the time being at an expanded Party Committee meeting on 21/8.

Similarly, Gia Dinh Ward, covering 2,76 km2 with nearly 126,000 residents and a density exceeding 45,600 people per km2, also seeks to avoid mergers. After one year of operation, its administrative apparatus is stable, and processing times have shortened. Consequently, the ward Party Committee proposes maintaining its current organization and boundaries during the 2026-2030 period.

Binh Quoi, Thanh My Tay, and Tan Phu wards have made similar proposals. Go Vap Ward, spanning about 2,81 km2 with over 110,800 residents and a density of nearly 39,500 people per km2, has also agreed not to proceed with further mergers.

In the former Thu Duc City area, Binh Trung, Thu Duc, and Tang Nhon Phu wards propose maintaining their existing boundaries. In the city's west, Binh Tan Ward and Vinh Loc Commune also support this plan, while Tan Tao Ward, Ba Diem Commune, and Tan Nhut Commune continue discussions.

Several populous wards in the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau areas, such as Thu Dau Mot, An Phu, Dong Hoa, Thuan Giao, Di An, Vung Tau, and Phuoc Thang, also wish to retain their current administrative boundaries.

These proposals come as Ho Chi Minh City reviews units that do not fully meet standards or have experienced operational inefficiencies. The city mandates adjustments only when necessary, ensuring caution, scientific basis, public consensus, and minimal disruption. The Department of Home Affairs is tasked with completing this review before 25/8.

According to Resolution 112/2025 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, a ward must have at least 21,000 residents and an area of 5,5 km2. Communes not in mountainous or island regions require at least 16,000 residents and an area of 30 km2.

Following consolidation with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City has 168 commune-level administrative units. A review revealed that 54 units do not meet certain criteria for area or population. Specifically, Con Dao and Thanh An do not meet population standards, while the remaining 52 communes and wards fall short on area.

The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee previously requested wards, communes, and special zones to proactively propose rearrangement plans. The Ho Chi Minh City Research and Development Board is tasked with conducting independent assessments based on current status, development potential, strategic position, national defense and security requirements, and practical management conditions.

Tran Luu Quang, secretary of the City Party Committee, stated that administrative rearrangement should consider not only area and population but also development characteristics, the role of each locality, management capacity, and public consensus.

Le Tuyet