The Hanoi government will step up poverty alleviation programs, together with the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated housing so that all residents can enjoy a merry Tet holiday.

This is mentioned in a directive issued by Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee at the end of December detailing measures to ensure that the Lunar New Year (Tet) will be a happy, safe, and economical celebration for all, giving new impetus to the implementation of New Year's tasks.

Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee Bui Minh Hoai visited a veteran in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi in September on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2024). Local authorities typically make special visits to veteran revolutionaries, and underprivileged households during special occasions, including the Lunar New Year. Photo: kinhtedothi.vn

To make the best preparations for the Tet celebrations, the directive also instructs the authorities to properly carry out social welfare policies to take care of the material and emotional lives of people, especially the disadvantaged, the poor, those living in disaster-stricken or epidemic-affected areas, ethnic minority areas, and those suffering from job losses. 

Local authorities are asked to visit and extend Tet greetings to veteran revolutionaries, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, wounded and sick soldiers, families of the fallen and those with merits for the revolution, and underprivileged households.

The directive calls for festivals to be organized following regulations. At the same time, Tet and anniversary celebrations and gatherings are held practically, safely, and economically in keeping with the country's traditional culture. 

The headquarters of the O Cho Dua Ward People's Committee in Hanoi is decorated with flags and banners to celebrate the Tet holiday in 2024. Photo: Nguyen Bao/The Hanoi Times

The directive also requires strengthening the prevention of profligacy and negative activities. Meanwhile, national defense and security must be strengthened so as not to be taken by surprise under any circumstances, safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and maintain a peaceful environment.

It also requests market surveillance to stabilize prices, balance supply and demand for goods, guarantee food safety and environmental hygiene, and prevent disease outbreaks.

The authorities are also urged to properly organize the celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Party and Tet, raise public awareness of traffic safety and fire and explosion prevention, proactively refute false information and distortions, and thwart all sabotage plots by hostile forces.

To implement drastic measures such as special situational solutions to reduce traffic congestion, control traffic accidents, and prevent motor racing, Hanoi Police must coordinate with the Department of Transportation to increase the number of officers on duty and provide the necessary resources. They must also promptly and strictly deal with violations of traffic order and safety, especially those involving drunk driving.

More local militias will be mobilized to prevent and severely punish acts of public disorder, theft, and transportation of prohibited goods.

The Lunar New Year is the longest holiday in Vietnam and an important occasion for family reunions. In 2025, the Tet holiday will run from January 25 to February 2.