Pham Quang Nghi, secretary of the Hanoi Communist Party Committee

Hanoi needs to urgently reform its administrative procedures to increase the civic responsibility of officials and fight corruption, the city’s Party head told municipal leaders Tuesday.

Nghi said residents are still suffering from long and complicated procedures at state offices and are in desperate need of more “one-stop” options.

He added that many state workers have been accused of conducting their jobs in an unprofessional and uncaring manner, which is what has angered citizens the most.

“Many families affected by the historic flood in Hanoi (last November) should have received support by the end of 2008 but they only received it in April after the city authorities put pressure on local officials,” said Nghi.

The leader also called for stricter punishment for officials who don’t carry out their jobs pro erly or who abuse their positions oTpower.

Public assets continue to be stolen by several unscrupulous state officials, said Nghi, citing several examples of corruption in land management.

Last August 1, the capital city expanded when Hanoi formally merged with adjacent provinces, tripling in size and doubling its population.

“Besides punishment, we need to improve mechanisms and policies for the purpose of preventing corruptive acts,” said Nghi.

Reported by Viet Chien