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HÀ NỘI — More than 250 families living in apartment buildings for pump factory workers in Hải Dương Province say they are in fear for their lives because of poor conditions. 

Their blocks have been assessed as having the highest possible danger levels, and they were told in 2020 they need to relocate, but so far, none have been moved.  

The apartment buildings were built in Nguyễn Trãi Ward, Hải Dương City between 1960 and 1970 with five two-to-three floored blocks and 11 complexes of one-floor houses. They are homes to families of Hải Dương water pump factory workers.

Nguyễn Thị Doan, one of the oldest residents, said she has been living in the area for nearly 60 years.

“The building has been seriously degraded. Each time someone on the upper floor bangs or door, some parts on the wall crumble into pieces,” she told Vietnam News Agency.

“We also suffer from leaks on rainy days. The building is in danger of collapse anytime.”

Like many other residents, in spite of fears, she has to stay because there is no alternative accommodation.

It is reported by Vietnam News Agency that all apartments have degraded. The walls have broken into pieces and the ceiling, beams and pillars are rotten.

Residents have to cover the broken walls to prevent bricks from falling and injuring someone.

Nguyễn Văn Long, a resident who has been living in the area since 1971, said people cannot even repair the houses because of restrictions in the province’s construction planning.

“We know that it is dangerous to live but we have no other choice,” he said, adding that the residents expect the authorities to build a new and safer residential area.

“We have been told there is a plan to move us to Lilama village but have been waiting for two years.”

Phạm Ngọc Sơn, chairman of Nguyễn Trãi Ward People’s Committee, said local authorities have assisted residents to repair degraded apartments. In 2022, a family received VNĐ20 million to replace the tiled roof with leak-proof iron roof.

He added that the construction progress of the new housing area is slow.

The People’s Committee of Hải Dương Province planned to build social housing, apartment blocks and community houses on about 7,800sq.m at Lilama 69-3 village in Bình Hàn Ward.

The social housing blocks are expected to accommodate more than 400 households living in the degraded pump factory’s apartment building and other blocks.

The blocks will be built from 2020 to 2025, according to the plan with budget sourcing from land use right auction of old apartment buildings.

Hải Dương City has 1,429 households in need of resettlement and relocation. While waiting for new locations to be approved and financial sources to be allocated, local residents still have to live in worry inside degraded blocks. — VNS