Ho Chi Minh City to Cut Power, Water to Violating Construction Projects

Ho Chi Minh City will cut off electricity and water supply to buildings and facilities that violate construction, fire safety, and environmental regulations starting October 1, 2024. This measure aims to compel the rectification of illegal activities. The decision, based on a resolution adopted by the City People's Council on September 22nd, will take effect on October 1st, coinciding with the enforcement of the Urban Development Law (Luật Phát triển đô thị). According to the resolution, Chairpersons of Ward/Town People's Committees will have the authority to decide on cutting off electricity and water for buildings violating urban planning, operating without permits or exceeding permits, undertaking construction against design despite obtaining permits, encroaching on land, or breaching fire safety (PCCC) and environmental regulations. Facilities such as nightclubs and karaoke venues failing to meet fire safety standards, and those subject to mandatory demolition or relocation but not complying, will also be included. This measure will only be implemented after written requests to halt construction or cease operations have been issued to the violators and they have failed to comply. Public officials will document violations and complete case files within two days of discovery. The Ward/Town People's Committee Chairperson will issue a decision within one day, and electricity and water providers will cease supply within 24 hours of receiving the decision. Once violations are rectified, supply will be restored within 24 hours. The city authorities state that violations of construction order remain a complex issue, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. From 2020 to 2024, the city has, on average, detected and processed 1.36 cases of unauthorized, non-compliant, or urban-plan-violating construction daily. In the first nine months of this year, 629 construction violations were detected and handled. Regarding fire safety (PCCC), 228 fires occurred in the first half of the year, resulting in 14 deaths, 27 injuries, and approximately VND 207 billion in damages. Inspections revealed violations such as obstructed escape routes, unsafe electrical systems, and improper use of fire sources. The city notes that despite regular inspections and sanctions, some cases involve intentional continuation of construction or operations. The electricity and water cut-off measure is intended to prevent ongoing violations. This mechanism is established based on Clause 2, Article 16 of the Urban Development Law and draws on experiences from Hanoi. As of April 30, 2026, Hanoi had issued 801 decisions to cut off electricity and water to buildings and facilities violating urban planning, construction order, land, and fire safety regulations.