The National Assembly (NA) passed a new urban planning bill with 90 percent approval Wednesday, but the legislature decided against creating a chief architect post, which the government had previously requested.

The government had proposed appointing a chief architect for large cities and historical-cultural centers to help limit urban planners’ dependence on planning department heads.

The assembly also voted against charging the Construction Ministry with full responsibility for all urban planning projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the bill, residents’ feedback on urban planning projects could be collected through conferences, seminars or by in-person interviews.

The bill also requires officials working on urban planning projects to publicize every piece of information about the project.

According to the bill, all urban centers zoned after the bill comes into effect on January 1, 2010, must designate clear space to set up underground electricity lines and water pipes.

Also Wednesday, the NA’s Standing Committee sent a proposal asking the lawmaking body to approve a deferment plan to not collect taxes under the new Personal Income Tax Law for this year’s first half.

Under the new proposal, wage earners would only begin paying income taxes in July. The law, originally to have taken effect in January this year, had previously been delayed for six months due to the economic crisis.

The lawmakers vote on this and other adjustments to the country’s socio-economic goals and budget planning today.

Reported by Xuan Toan