Deputy Head of the Central Internal Affairs Commission, Nguyen Huu Dong, announced that 57 projects across various sectors have been identified for anti-waste measures, including Bach Mai and Viet Duc Hospitals’ second facilities in Ha Nam and the tidal flood prevention project in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Politburo recently issued Regulation No. 191, defining the roles, responsibilities, working regime, and coordination of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, Anti-Waste, and Prevention of Negligence (replacing Regulation No. 32/2021) and Decision No. 192 to strengthen the committee’s focus on waste prevention.

Providing details of the October 30 meeting of the Steering Committee’s Standing Committee on anti-corruption and anti-waste, Deputy Head Dang Van Dung noted that Regulation No. 191 has added the task of anti-waste, emphasizing the management and use of public funds and assets.

According to Mr. Dung, adding anti-waste to the committee’s responsibilities is seen by officials, party members, and citizens as timely, relevant, and eagerly awaited for stronger action.

He also shared that General Secretary To Lam emphasized the severe impact of waste, which spans multiple sectors and often results in greater loss than corruption or negligence. While the Party and State have introduced policies and solutions, effectiveness remains limited.

The General Secretary stressed the need to identify and define wasteful actions, the responsibilities of party committees, agencies, organizations, and leaders in anti-waste efforts.

Additionally, he instructed authorities to review and address large, socially concerning cases of waste, clarifying accountability and handling involved organizations and individuals. “The General Secretary stressed that clear accountability is essential, as this concerns state assets and public funds,” Mr. Dung explained.

Review of hospitals and Ho Chi Minh City’s flood project

Dong shared that nine projects in construction, 22 in power and mineral industries, 15 in transportation, seven in culture, sports, and tourism, and four in agriculture are being prioritized for anti-waste measures.

According to Dong, the General Secretary has instructed immediate action on national, high-priority, low-efficiency projects with extensive delays and substantial waste.

Key projects include the construction of Bach Mai and Viet Duc Hospitals’ second facilities in Ha Nam, Ho Chi Minh City’s tidal flood prevention project, and renewable energy projects that have yet to be connected for operation.

“These projects require urgent attention to clarify accountability and, most importantly, establish a timeline for activation to ensure they contribute effectively to socio-economic development and public welfare,” Mr. Dong emphasized.

Mr. Dong further noted that waste is not limited to public investment but extends across various areas, including time. Delays prevent projects from benefiting the public, leading to significant resource waste.

“There needs to be a willingness to take initiative. Indifference, fear of responsibility, and reluctance among officials lead to wasted time and human resources,” the Deputy Head said, adding that with regular expenditures accounting for 70% of the budget, efforts to reduce this to 50% could free up resources for public-serving projects.

The Deputy Head concluded that restructuring and reducing payrolls are essential to achieve these goals.

Quang Phong