HCMC – Hanoi authorities can now halt electricity and water services to those buildings violating fire safety rules or lacking proper permits.
The National Assembly (NA) this morning, June 28, passed the amended Law on the Capital of Vietnam with the approval of 462 out of 470 participating deputies, granting the Hanoi City government the power to enforce stricter safety measures.
The new regulations permit the Hanoi City People’s Council to impose fines up to twice the national rate for various infractions, including those related to fire safety. Article 33 of the revised law allows the city to impose higher fines, but not more than double the amount set by the Government for similar offenses.
Local authorities can stop utility services for constructions that violate planning rules or lack proper permits. The chairman of the Hanoi City People’s Committee can order the suspension of electricity and water to buildings constructed without permits or those deviating from approved designs.
Buildings on illegally occupied land or those not meeting fire safety design approvals may also face utility cutoffs. Hanoi officials can enforce these measures on businesses such as nightclubs and karaoke bars that fail to comply with fire safety standards and on constructions slated for urgent demolition.
Hoang Thanh Tung, head of the NA’s Committee on Legal Affairs, said these measures address the rising number of serious fire safety violations in Hanoi. The amendments are part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen fire safety compliance and protect public welfare.
