Poor planning information root of realty market manipulation: legislator

Manipulation, forged fevers, and speculation in Vietnam’s real estate market have their roots in authorities’ failure in properly and sufficiently publicizing planning information, a National Assembly member said Monday.

Le Thanh Hoan, a legislator representing the central province of Thanh Hoa, told the National Assembly's ongoing session that often, published planning information does not include enough details or planning maps.

“In cases where planning maps are made available, they are not of adequate quality. Voters told me that they could hardly access what they need to know,” he said.

Manipulation, made-up fevers, and speculation have caused some chaos and disputes in a few localities, Hoan added.

Nguyen Huu Thong, who represents the south-central province of Binh Thuan, raised the problem of slow-moving planning, which has affected residents in several places.

Thong said voters want the government to work out specific regulations on the time for implementing suspended plans and long-delayed projects, as well as sanctions for organizations and individuals that fail to comply with the set plans.

Deputy Le Van Dung, who represents the central province of Quang Nam, said there are several urban and rural planning projects with low feasibility and poor ties with other development goals. Therefore, he urged the government to urgently complete a national master plan, with the prime minister heading a future national steering committee on planning.