Initial progress in reorganising villages, hamlets and residential groups has raised expectations. Ultimately, however, success will be judged by public service quality, administrative efficiency combined with tangible improvements in community life.

For residents, the main concern is not what a newly merged village is called or how many administrative units have been consolidated. What matters is knowing whom to approach when issues arise, whether their concerns are heard, whether policies reach intended beneficiaries, and whether problems are resolved more promptly as well as effectively.

Under the restructuring plan, ethnic minority, remote and disadvantaged areas are giving priority to individuals with strong community standing alongside deep knowledge of local customs, languages and cultural traditions. These grassroots cadres receive training in mediation, community outreach, IT, digital transformation (DX), as well as assisting residents in accessing online public services. Their familiarity with local conditions enables them to explain Party guidelines and State policies more effectively, identify emerging issues at an early stage along with respond with appropriate solutions.

Village officials and Party members in Son Loc Village, Cu Bao Ward, advising residents on developing sustainable livelihood models.

Mr. Ho Thanh Nam, a resident of Dong Giang Village in Krong Nang Commune, said village and hamlet cadres maintain the closest day-to-day contact with local communities and play a vital role in handling grassroots affairs. Residents therefore expect them to combine dedication with professional competence, understand public concerns and accurately convey people's aspirations. He also hopes personnel selection will place greater emphasis on qualifications, expertise and practical skills rather than relying mainly on experience, as in the past.

Public expectations extend well beyond personnel arrangements. Residents hope reorganisation will prevent resources from being spread too thinly, improve utilisation of community cultural houses and public facilities, strengthen grassroots movements, while enhancing public security, environmental protection, dispute mediation and support for vulnerable groups.

According to comrade Pham Van Bay, Vice Chairman of Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, successful restructuring of villages, hamlets together with residential groups depends largely on public consensus. The Front will continue mobilising grassroots committees, village elders, respected community figures and religious dignitaries to strengthen public outreach, while collecting residents' feedback and recommendations for prompt submission to competent authorities.

Public satisfaction should become a consistent benchmark for evaluating reform, reflected in every aspect of public service delivery. Every comment or complaint should have a clearly designated receiving agency, a defined processing timeline and a transparent response. Village along with hamlet cadres must remain closely connected with residents, publicly disclose community contributions, support policies and administrative outcomes, while commune-level authorities should conduct substantive oversight, promptly recognise effective practices and rectify superficial implementation or unnecessary delays.

Reorganisation of villages, hamlets combined with residential groups has so far completed only its organisational phase. The next challenge is ensuring the novel system operates more efficiently, with every grassroots cadre remaining close to residents, understanding local needs and unlocking community potential. When people see their rights safeguarded, their voices respected alongside living conditions steadily improving, administrative restructuring will become a genuine catalyst for grassroots development, advancing Dak Lak Province's broader socio-eco objectives.

Translated by HAI LOAN