Via phone calls, emails, social networks, and other convenient channels, there has been a upward trend in the number of citizens in Da Nang giving their constructive opinions and recommendations about make the city a greener, cleaner, more beautiful and civilised destination in the years ahead.

The municipal Public Service Information Centre is in charge of receiving and dealing with complaints raised from the general public

Since its inception in March this year, the category of ‘Smart City’ on the website http://egov.danang.gov.vn/gop-y has received a large number of constructive ideas from local inhabitants and visitors for a smart city design.

In the current context of the rapid progress of social media sites, in November 2017, the Da Nang Public Service Portal officially opened its fanpage ‘Gop Y Da Nang’ (Giving Complaints to Da Nang) at  https://www.facebook.com/gopy.danang.

The Portal’s effective operation on Facebook and Zalo would help to create a deeper connection between the city’s authorities and its citizens.

For instance, it is suggested that more trash bins should be placed along major streets and busy public areas. In reality, many downtown streets have had dustbins installed but they are unable to meet public demand due to their small size.

It is also an idea to use dustbin lids having rubber loops to prevent unpleasant outdoor emitting from garbage stored inside.

In terms of tourism development ideas, an inhabitant underlined a need to develop tourism city cards which have been used effectively in tourists-packed cities worldwide. These cards encourage visitors to enjoy attractions, dining and transport (and more) through a single smart card.

Officially put into use in April 2016, the city’s Public Service Portal with its hotline 0236 1022 has operated effectively, and it has won the trust and high praise from both local residents and visitors.

The hotline aims to offer an opportunity for locals and visitors to have their questions about all aspects answered by the city authorities, even in the English language.

Callers can report their problems or complaints relating to social security, traffic safety, environmental pollution, and other matters of deep concern in the city.

Users of local landline phones need only dial 1022, whilst those ringing from mobile phones or landlines registered in other localities must dial 0236 1022.

The call charge to this hotline is the same as for any other landline number, whilst an ask-to-answer service is free of charge.

Ms Hoang Ngoc Lan, the Head of the Division for Receiving and Answering Questions at the municipal Public Service Information Centre, said many complaints raised from the general public has been dealt with in a prompt yet effective manner.

Mr Nguyen Quang Thanh, the Director of the city’s Department of Information and Communications, remarked that one of the top priorities for the smart city model is the development of smart citizens who have civic sense and respects the law, especially youngsters with a high spirit of creativity. Therefore, the focus is being on developing adequate public utilities to satisfy the public satisfaction.