Delays in finalizing project accounts create management gaps and lead to structural deterioration.

Many projects, even after completion and commissioning, have to wait months or even a year for final settlement, creating a "gap" in management and operation.

The Nam Cau Binh intersection park project.

Shortcomings in management and operation

In mid-September 2025, many residents of Trai Chuoi and Thuong Ly areas expressed their frustration over the deterioration of the green park project at the Nam Cau Binh intersection (Hong Bang ward). Flowerbeds and walkways were overgrown with weeds, and some paving stones had come loose. Residents earnestly hoped that the government and relevant authorities would inspect the current situation and promptly develop a plan to rectify the problem and maintain a clean and beautiful living space.

The green park at the Nam Cau Binh intersection (Hong Bang ward) covers an area of ​​over 2.2 hectares, with a total investment of nearly 135 billion VND from the city budget. The project was built with modern technical infrastructure, seamlessly connected to the transportation and technical infrastructure systems in the area. On May 11, 2025, the project was officially inaugurated and put into use. However, in recent times, the operation, management, and maintenance of the park have been largely neglected. This is due to the implementation of a two-tiered local government system; the Nam Cau Binh intersection green park project is managed by the Hong Bang Area Project Investment Management Board. The project is currently in the final settlement phase, and therefore has not yet been officially handed over to the management and operation unit.

The story of completed projects experiencing delays in final settlement and handover is not uncommon. For example, the Le Quang Dao road (Gia Vien ward) was essentially completed and put into use in 2022. However, the project was only finalized and handed over to the operating management unit in June 2025. This delay in handover and settlement affects the aesthetics and quality of the project. During the period before official handover and operation, the project is almost in a state of "ownerlessness," with maintenance and upkeep neglected. As a result, at many times, the parks and flowerbeds along this road are not cared for, and weeds grow profusely.

The final settlement of completed projects plays a crucial role in the disbursement of public investment capital, yet it is still slow in some projects. The main reasons are the limited experience and capacity of some investors and project management boards; failure to fully comply with the procedures and processes of basic construction investment; and inadequate management and supervision of consulting and construction units, leading to the need for supplementary and revised documents during the final settlement process, thus prolonging the timeframe. In addition, some localities have not promptly urged and rectified the situation, resulting in many projects that have been completed, handed over, and put into use but have not yet had their final settlement documents submitted for verification and approval. The delay in final settlement not only affects the management and exploitation of assets formed after investment but also creates outstanding construction debts, slowing down the disbursement of public investment capital; for projects with payments spanning many years, price fluctuations also cause financial difficulties for the construction units.

The solution is clear.

Phase 1 of the Tam Bac River beautification project is cited for delayed final settlement.

In recent times, the city has implemented numerous solutions to improve the efficiency of public investment disbursement, focusing on the final settlement of completed projects. Since 2022, the City People's Committee has publicly listed the investors and project management boards that violated regulations regarding the deadline for final settlement of completed projects under the City People's Committee's investment decisions. The City People's Committee has also repeatedly issued documents requesting contractors and localities to expedite the final settlement of public investment funds for completed projects.

However, in addition to close guidance from the city, investors and local authorities need to promptly finalize compensation, support, and resettlement costs; organize acceptance testing and prepare payment documents in a timely manner as soon as work volume increases. At the same time, competent authorities must strengthen regular and strict inspection and supervision of the implementation of payments and final settlements of completed projects by investors, consulting units, and contractors, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Project completion settlement requires serious and coordinated involvement from all levels, sectors, and investors. Immediately upon project completion, investors need to promptly gather all necessary documents and records from the entire implementation process; and closely coordinate with contractors to expedite the settlement process. Simultaneously, they must promptly address and resolve issues with contractors who are slow in providing explanations, verifying data and materials, causing delays in settlement or requiring adjustments to the total investment. Publicly disclosing investors and contractors who are slow in completing project settlements through mass media should be considered as grounds for reviewing and restricting the implementation of new projects. Only investors and contractors who have fully fulfilled their obligations in settling completed projects should be eligible to participate in the selection and implementation of subsequent projects.

HUY VU - TRUNG KIEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/cham-quyet-toan-du-an-hoan-thanh-tao-khoang-trong-quan-ly-cong-trinh-xuong-cap-530009.html