“Affordable Housing for All: Hanoi’s Pledge to Accelerate Development.”

THE HANOI CHRONICLE — Hanoi’s Deputy Director of Construction, Luyen Van Phuong, acknowledged delays in providing social housing for workers and low-income earners on May 28th.

Hanoi authorities engage in dialogue with local workers. Photos: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper

Phuong emphasized the urgency and legitimacy of the growing demand for affordable housing, acknowledging that it aligns with the aspirations of workers.

At a meeting held at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Thach That District, the Hanoi People’s Committee and local workers discussed the city’s commitment to developing social housing. Phuong highlighted that providing housing for workers and low-income earners is a top priority for the city. Hanoi has outlined a housing development program through 2030, which includes guidelines to enhance access to social housing.

The Management Board of Industrial and Hi-Tech Zones, along with the city’s Labor Federation, are tasked with creating worker housing plans that consider the role of trade unions. The prime minister has already approved this proposal.

Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, an employee of Star Fashion Co., raised a concern at the conference. She pointed out that Hanoi might struggle to attract workers from other provinces due to the severe shortage of affordable housing near industrial zones.

“The lack of affordable housing impacts workers’ settlement plans and, consequently, the sustainability of the industrial zones,” Trang explained. She suggested that the city construct low-cost housing and childcare centers near industrial parks to aid workers in settling down and achieving a better work-life balance. “Childcare facilities would ease the burden on working parents and ultimately boost productivity,” she added.

Trang further emphasized that improving living conditions for workers would enable Hanoi to attract high-quality laborers from other provinces, enhancing the city’s competitiveness and supporting the long-term growth of its industrial zones.

Chu Thi Bau, an employee at Kane Package Co., shared a similar concern. She pointed out that the current income requirements to qualify for social housing in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are challenging to meet. According to the criteria, eligible buyers must have a monthly income of less than VND15 million (US$570), excluding those who earn slightly more.

Bau provided insights into a worker’s income in Hanoi, explaining that their total earnings could exceed $570 per month when including salary, allowances, and various bonuses. “Even with this income, we face challenges in managing living costs in the city, and we don’t qualify for social housing,” she said.

To address this issue, Bau recommended increasing the monthly income threshold to between VND20 million ($770) and VND25 million ($960). This adjustment would ensure that a larger number of workers can access affordable housing.

A female worker expresses her thoughts on the development of social housing.

Phuong, the Deputy Director, requested that the city’s Labor Federation and relevant agencies work together to fulfill the minimum conditions to support workers and low-income groups in purchasing housing. He also promised to address the income thresholds for social housing, aligning them with the current living conditions.

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, acknowledged that the maximum wage thresholds for social housing buyers are legally defined. He encouraged city departments and the Labor Federation to delve into the 2024 Capital Law and devise solutions tailored to the unique needs of Hanoi’s workers.

“One viable approach is to consider a local income coefficient, thereby increasing the number of workers eligible for social housing,” suggested Thanh. He added that Hanoi aims to surpass the prime minister’s targets for social housing this year by adopting a more flexible approach to planning and developing rental and social housing around industrial zones.

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