To perfect the 2-level government model in Da Nang

The four months of operating the two-tier government model in Da Nang have been a period of testing the capacity of the apparatus in the context of new tasks and consecutive natural disasters. Despite facing great pressure, the model has maintained its operating rhythm, demonstrating its adaptability and innovative spirit; at the same time, pointing out bottlenecks that need to be quickly resolved for completion.

Thanh Khe Ward handles administrative procedures for people.

Initial adaptation and bottlenecks to be removed

The report of the city leaders at the working session with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra and the Central working delegation on the afternoon of November 18 on the implementation of the policy of reorganizing the apparatus of the political system and operating the 2-level local government model, clearly showed the two-sided picture of the recent "trial run" period. Under great pressure, the apparatus still operated smoothly, especially at the public administrative service centers .

The city currently has 93 commune-level centers and 1 city-level center, becoming the core of administrative reform based on service thinking. This is the place to receive and process more than 2,200 procedures, with the online service rate reaching more than 96%. These numbers reflect the elaborate preparation before the new model is put into operation, especially in technical infrastructure and digitalization processes.

However, the initial effectiveness does not obscure the structural shortcomings. The most prominent is the issue of human resources - the factor that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra identified as "the key of the key". Many communes and wards are in a state of "both surplus and shortage": surplus in limited functional positions, but lack of human resources with management, technical or information technology qualifications. In some places, the mentality of hesitation when assigned to the grassroots level still exists, affecting the quality of work and service spirit.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra works with Da Nang city.

This is particularly noteworthy, because the commune level is the gateway to the entire two-level government system. All interactions between people, businesses and the state apparatus are concentrated here. When human resources are not guaranteed, the overall efficiency of the entire model will be reduced.

Infrastructure is another major bottleneck. Unsynchronized data transfer causes difficulties in operations; many mountainous communes do not meet information technology requirements; more than 3,000 people still do not have electricity; and many problems in office buildings and public assets have not been resolved. These are not trivial issues but reflect the operating foundation of the model. If they are not resolved slowly, these shortcomings can become long-term obstacles in the reform process.

Perfecting the model: Go straight to the heart of the matter

From the practice of the past 4 months, the requirement for Da Nang is to perfect the model on the basis of respecting the reality of each locality. The improvement of the commune level cannot be based on just one set of general criteria. The needs and workload of each locality are very different. Therefore, the arrangement of the apparatus must be based on the population, geographical conditions, socio -economic characteristics and management requirements. Streamlining must go hand in hand with improving implementation capacity. Strong decentralization must go hand in hand with appropriate resources. Wide authorization must be associated with a clear responsibility mechanism. If one of these factors is missing, the model can easily fall into formality or create gaps in management.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra visited Hai Chau ward.

In 2025, personnel work needs to be put in a central position. It is not enough to just stop at overcoming immediate shortages but to prepare a stable team for the long term; the review, arrangement, and retraining must be substantive, avoiding mechanical or legalized methods. Along with that, ideological work must be focused on to form a team with enough courage, daring to take on new tasks, daring to innovate and daring to take responsibility. This is the core requirement of a modern urban management model, where the pressure to handle situations is increasingly complex.

Digital transformation is an important pillar that helps the two-tier model operate effectively. Solutions such as providing shared accounts for tens of thousands of officials, researching satellite wave rental for disadvantaged areas, or implementing "digital education for the masses" to support people in accessing public services clearly demonstrate the city's determination. However, actual effectiveness depends on the implementation capacity at the commune level. Any digital process is only effective when used proficiently, associated with changes in administrative culture. Technology is only valuable when it helps shorten processing time, reduce hassles and improve service quality.

At the same time, resolving the backlog of public assets, archives, commune-level financial mechanisms and national databases is the foundation for creating stability for the model. This is a group of tasks that requires strict administrative discipline and clearly defines the responsibilities of each level and each unit. Prolongation or avoidance will directly affect the quality of service to the people.

The 2-level model still maintains the operating rhythm.

Continue the reform journey with the highest determination

Overall, the first four months are just the start of a long-term reform process. This period shows the model’s adaptability; but the long-term ability depends on the system’s self-improvement. Da Nang has a strong tradition in administrative reform and the two-tier model is a test for the city to continue to affirm that capacity.

The two-tier government model is not a final destination but a process of continuous adjustment, improvement and consolidation. Each step forward requires political determination, implementation capacity and support from the people. The spirit of “not complaining about difficulties”, proactive attitude and courage that the city leaders emphasized must become the common qualities of cadres at all levels.

An administrative model is only meaningful when it creates a clear change in service quality, in the smoothness of the apparatus and in the ability to manage a modern urban area. This is the most important measure of reform, and at the same time the expectation of the Party, the State and the people for Da Nang in the new development path.

DINH TANG