Planning as a tool and land as a resource for development

With the consistent view that “planning is a management tool and land is a resource for development,” Binh Phuoc ward (Dong Nai province) is gradually translating its vision of integrated and sustainable urban development into concrete action. To date, the ward has completed 100% of its sub-zone planning and 50% of its detailed planning.

This endeavor is an important foundation that enables the locality to proactively call for investment, upgrade urban areas, and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Laying the foundation for sustainable urban development

Situated at the northwestern gateway of Dong Nai province, Binh Phuoc ward is home to major transport routes with high connectivity, including National Highway 14 linking to the Central Highlands, DT.741 connecting to Ho Chi Minh City, and the upcoming Gia Nghia - Chon Thanh Expressway, a key arterial road. These advantages give Binh Phuoc significant potential for the development of services, commerce, and urban infrastructure. However, to unlock this potential, a clear and legally grounded guiding framework is essential, and that framework is planning.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Chairwoman of the People’s Council of Binh Phuoc ward, Giang Thi Phuong Hanh, together with ward leaders, inspects the progress of several projects in the area. Photo: Quang Xuan

Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Phuoc ward, Ngo Hong Khang, stated: “Right from the beginning of the term, the ward’s Party Committee and People’s Committee clearly identified that sustainable development must begin with planning. Planning is not only a long-term vision but also a tool for effectively managing and utilizing land resources. To date, the ward has completed 100 percent of its sub-zone planning and over 50 percent of its detailed planning.”

Following the merger of six commune- and ward-level administrative units from the former Dong Xoai city, Binh Phuoc ward now spans a natural area of 86.38 square kilometers. The completion of sub-zone planning has enabled the locality to manage existing conditions better and clearly define functional zones, including administration, commerce and services, residential areas, and technical infrastructure. Notably, planning has also made the handling of land and construction dossiers for locals more transparent and consistent.

“We will expand the development space so that in the future, the ward can grow synchronously and vigorously, not only in the central area but also in the suburban zones. With about 50% of the detailed planning already completed, attracting investment and implementing projects will become much more convenient,” Khang added.

Rational utilization of land resources

Alongside planning, Binh Phuoc ward also emphasizes managing, exploiting, and effectively utilizing land resources. Determining that land is not only a natural resource but also a “development asset,” the ward has implemented a series of synchronous measures, including promoting administrative reform in the land sector, ensuring transparency in planning, and building a cadastral database.

One of the bright spots is the public disclosure of planning information through digital maps. This undertaking makes it easier for residents and investors to access information, avoiding the “ambiguities” that can disrupt the market.

Le Xuan Nghiem, a resident of Thanh Binh neighborhood in Binh Phuoc ward, shared: “I think transparent planning like this is very beneficial for the people. For instance, if I own a piece of land and want to build a business facility or a house, I need to know what zoning category it falls under and what the development orientation for that area is. Only when planning is clear can people feel secure about investing and developing their household economy.”

Ho Quy Khiem, a resident living near Phan Boi Chau Street (Tan Binh neighborhood, Binh Phuoc ward), which was recently opened, shared: “Phan Boi Chau Street used to be a swampy area with little economic value. When the local government announced plans to open the road, we all agreed to donate land. My family contributed more than 7,000 square meters, worth nearly 8 billion VND, to help the locality develop multiple new roads. Now, not only are the roads open and the sidewalks spacious, but houses have gone up beautifully and shops are densely packed.”

From these practical insights, it is clear that land only truly becomes a resource when its use is properly guided by planning, along with effective support and management from local authorities. Planning lays the foundation for investment, urban renewal, and improved quality of life for residents.

As of mid-2025, Binh Phuoc ward has been carrying out several key projects in transportation, tourism, and urban enhancement in accordance with detailed planning. Notably, the ward has implemented compensation, support, and resettlement efforts for three major national and provincial projects: the Gia Nghia – Chon Thanh section of the Western North–South Expressway, the Dong Xoai New Urban Area – Central Park Project, and Phase 2 of the Suoi Cam Lake Tourist Area Project.

In the coming time, we will continue gathering public feedback during the detailed planning adjustment process while also calling for investment in already-planned areas. Our standpoint is that planning is not meant to be stored away in a drawer but to be implemented and turned into reality. “Every inch of land is as precious as gold". Each square meter of land will hold value if it is used in the right place and for the right development purpose.

NGO HONG KHANG, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Phuoc ward

Ngo Hong Khang, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Phuoc Ward, emphasized: “With planning in place, we have a basis to propose infrastructure investment and improve residential areas. Residents also feel more confident in building and investing in business. The important thing is that planning must be accurate, aligned with reality, and attentive to the voices of the people”.

From “planning mindset” to “planning action”

Not only serving management purposes, the ward’s planning schemes also help improve residents’ quality of life. Flood-prone areas during the rainy season are being upgraded with better infrastructure, while asphalted roads under the plan make transportation more convenient. On the other hand, public spaces such as squares, playgrounds, parks, and landscapes are also integrated into the new planning. The ward also actively directs relevant departments and units to accelerate the approval of the remaining detailed planning. In addition, it continues to update and adjust planning to align with the overall development orientation of the locality after arrangement and merger, and to operate under the two-tier local government model with a clear, phased roadmap.

Thanks to its proactive approach in planning, Binh Phuoc ward now enjoys ample space for development. In the photo: Xoai Park and Suoi Cam Park – the ecological heart of Binh Phuoc ward, captured from above.

Once a locality facing challenges in infrastructure development and fragmented land management, Binh Phuoc ward has now seen a marked transformation by restoring planning to its rightful role, a key instrument for driving development and turning land into a practical resource.

At present, the ward is implementing compensation and site clearance for 18 projects, with 9 overseen by the Dong Xoai Area Project Management Board, 6 by the Provincial Investment and Construction Project Management Board, 2 land-use-fee-based investment projects, and 1 led by another implementing unit.

Giang Thi Phuong Hanh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Chairwoman of the People’s Council of Binh Phuoc ward, said: “The Standing Committee of the Party Committee has instructed the ward People’s Committee to proactively develop implementation plans for projects within approved plans or in areas that have already been planned. These plans should highlight the potential, strengths, feasibility, and spillover effects to create competitive advantages for attracting investment. According to the orientation, Binh Phuoc ward is set to become the central urban area of the northwest region of Dong Nai province. Therefore, the ward must take immediate action, starting with swiftly completing the planned projects to lay the foundation for the next stage of development”.

The results achieved are reflected not only in the coverage of zoning and detailed planning, but also in the public’s trust in local government. Consensus, transparency, and a willingness to listen have become the “keys” to bringing planning into everyday life, serving as a lever for urban development in Binh Phuoc ward to become increasingly modern and livable, closely tied to improving the quality of life for residents in the locality.

By Quang Xuan - Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho