Authorities in central coastal Khanh Hoa Province have called for improvement in land management in Van Ninh District, which is planned to become Bac Van Phong special administrative economic unit.

In recent months, land fever has gripped the district. There have been increasing transactions as prices jump due to speculation. The talk of the transformation of the district into a special unit has led to a flow of money.

The provincial People’s Committee, however, pointed out that many transactions were illegal and could involve land encroachment and illegal construction.

The province asked Van Ninh District People’s Committee to be especially careful when granting land-use right certificates.

The provincial People’s Committee suggested Van Phong Economic Zone’s Management Board keep close watch on the use of land following approved planning to attract investors.

Vo Hoan Hai, Van Ninh District Party Secretary, was quoted by Dien Dan Doanh Nghiep (Business Forum) online newspaper, as saying that land prices had risen many times in the district because of the speculation. This was coupled with a lack of real information about the proposed unit.

Hai said the district had asked communal authorities to improve land management and communicate with local residents to enhance transparency and prevent speculation.

Meanwhile, land fever has also gripped Phu Quoc Island (southern Kien Giang Province) and Van Don District (northern Quang Ninh Province) which are expected to be developed into special administrative economic units similar to Van Ninh District.

Local authorities have requested individuals and firms to carefully consider land purchases in these areas as the existing planning might be changed when these localities are developed. — VNS