Binh Dinh is one of nine provinces and cities selected to join the Vietnam Land Administration Project (VLAP). However, it has been slowly implemented after kicking off for one year.
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Representative of the province’s VLAP management board (standing on the left) presents the implementation of VLAP in Binh Dinh. Photo V.H
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An important project
VLAP aims to increase access to land information services by all stakeholders through development of an improved land administration system in selected provinces in Vietnam.
Such a system is considered to be an essential public good to be provided by the Government of Vietnam and is embedded in the government's responsibility to guide and regulate a continuation of sustainable economic and social development.
There are three components to the project. The first component is the modernization of the land registration system. This component will support the development of an accurate, current and complete information system to support land registration
The second component is the improvement of land registration service Delivery.
This component will provide support for three main areas: (i) modernization and improvement of Land Registration Offices (LROs) to implement the government's policy for one door single service centers for land registration; (ii) access to land registration data through all LROs and the Internet; and (iii)comprehensive program to support public awareness raising and better communications of land registration and participation in the processes to complete and update land records, surveying and mapping.
The third component will support the overall implementation of the project through project management monitoring and evaluation.
The total project cost is USD100 million, of which the World Bank finances $75 million and the Government of Vietnam provides counterpart funding of $25 million.
Joining the project, Binh Dinh was allocated $12.134 million, of which the province contributes $3.21 million.
A provincial Steering Board for VLAP implementation was set up, but it has been carried out slowly so far, affecting the whole progress of the project.
Measures to boosting the projects
The VLAP is scheduled to be implemented in Binh Dinh till June, 2013. Districts of Tuy Phuoc and Phu My were selected for the implementation of project this year.
The project will be carried out in districts of Phu Cat, An Lao, Vinh Thanh, Hoai An, An Nhon, Van Canh, and Quy Nhon city in the following years, respectively.
The province’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment assigned its staff to gear up the project.
However, there were still some difficulties, particularly in contracts for technical services, land registration, and certificate for land-use right.
The project management board has strived to fulfill its tasks in communes of Phu My and Tuy Phuoc districts. Binh Dinh People’s Committee on April also promulgated the Decision on setting up and strengthening the VLAP management board and ratifying the action programme and financial plan for the project.
Also, in a meeting with the province’s leaders and project management board, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Hien said the implementation of project in Binh Dinh was taking place more slowly than other provinces.
He, therefore, asked Binh Dinh must focus on boosting the project implementation. Representatives of functional bodies should join the management board aiming to create favorable conditions for the project.
Hien also suggested that there should be a monthly review to evaluate the progress. The management board must submit any difficulties to the Central Steering Committee and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The province’s VLAP steering board has just held a meeting to solve difficulties and work out measures to boost the progress.
Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh People’s Committee Ho Quoc Dung asked the director of Natural Resources and Environment Department to steer the management board to closely supervise the project and build a detailed plan for the project implementation.
Alongside these, those who are in charge of the project need to learn experiences from provinces where VLAP was effectively carried out.
Binh Dinh People’s Committee also asked People’s Committees of Tuy Phuoc and Phu My to set up consultative groups, aiming to help conduct the project in the districts.
VLAP is expected to be effectively implemented in Binh Dinh thanks to the province’s efforts and measures.
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