Staffing imbalances

At newly merged communes, one of the most pressing issues is human resources. Some positions lack qualified personnel, while others have redundancies. For example, at Búng Lao commune, officials are assigned to manage tasks far beyond their training.

Ms. Lường Thị Diện, originally trained in social work, is now responsible for both Home Affairs and Education. Similarly, Mr. Lò Văn Hỏa, formerly from the district agriculture office, is tasked with new areas such as trade and land management, fields in which he has not been trained.

Because of such shortages, key roles like accounting and education must be handled concurrently by other staff. Meanwhile, redundancies persist in certain departments, highlighting a mismatch in personnel distribution. Mường Lạn commune and others report similar problems: a lack of trained specialists in home affairs, health, science, and commerce, while still retaining surplus staff from the merger.

How to improve operation?

To cope, many localities temporarily assign redundant staff to concurrent posts, even outside their specialties. While this ensures continuity, it contradicts the principle of “the right person in the right job.” Local leaders emphasize the need for provincial-level training programs, professional refresher courses, and timely transfers to balance shortages and surpluses across communes.

Beyond staffing, infrastructure also presents difficulties. Some offices are cramped, forcing staff to share limited space or even work from village cultural houses. At Nậm Nèn commune, formed from the merger of two former communes, the number of staff surged from fewer than 20 to nearly 80, far outstripping available facilities.

Despite these challenges, local authorities are working to maintain uninterrupted service to citizens. Looking ahead, success depends on strengthening grassroots cadres, the officials closest to the people. Alongside human resources, investment in infrastructure is also vital, enabling staff to work effectively and serve the public better.

The streamlined two-tier government model is a bold step forward, but to deliver its full promise, solutions to staffing, facilities, and training must be addressed promptly. Only then can it become a truly efficient, effective system that meets the expectations of the people.