Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to enhance the implementation of fire prevention and firefighting work and to tighten management over the planning and construction of multi-story apartment buildings.

In some localities, many buildings were built without abiding by construction regulations, planning, and fire prevention and control requirements, posing major risks for users, according to a dispatch signed by the Prime Minister on October 22.

He also asked for regular inspections, supervision, and evaluations, the clarification of the responsibilities of relevant units, organizations, and individuals, and the strict handling of violations.

Chairpersons of People’s Committees in provinces and centrally-run cities were ordered to carry out thorough assessments of all multi-story apartment blocks to detect violations relating to construction regulations.

For new projects, local agencies must strictly control their compliance with legal regulations on planning, construction, and fire prevention and firefighting.

Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities are required to complete reviews and assessments in the fourth quarter of this year and propose measures and tasks to the government and Prime Minister.