HCM City has decided to shorten the process of licensing social housing projects. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City has decided to shorten the process of licensing social housing projects from 500 days to 133 if developers use private lands and 217 days if they use unencumbered public land they have to bid for.

The People's Committee met several times every week to discuss the problems plaguing housing projects, its chairman, Phan Văn Mãi, said.

“The guidelines for investment procedures to build accommodation for workers will be issued by July 15 at the latest. Detailed information will be sent to the people's committees of districts and management boards of export processing zones and industrial zones in HCM City.”

With regard to investment and renovation of old apartments, he admitted there were a number of problems from determining financial obligations and choosing investors and meeting residents.

Discussions with the Ministry of Construction have helped resolve some major problems, he said.

He assured the city People’s Council at least 50 per cent of the relocation of 20,000 households living along canals would be completed by 2025.

The city has approved three urban improvement projects in District 7 involving around 2,700 households.

For other housing projects along canals, the Department of Planning and Architecture will discuss with localities how to adjust plans and reduce the area of ​​canal safety corridors to free up more lands for further investment.

Nguyễn Thị Lệ, chairwoman of the city People’s Council, stressed the importance of speeding up social housing development.  VNS