A housing complex for workers in Yên Phong Industrial Park, Bắc Ninh Province. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Amid the pressing need for social housing development across the country, a wave of proactive initiatives has swept through various regions, spearheaded by localities like Hải Phòng, Bắc Ninh, and Bình Dương.

In response to robust directives from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and the intervention of the Government's Task Force, local administrations have undertaken a transformative journey, revaluating their strategies and swiftly embracing a new ethos of engagement.

This shift in mindset has galvanised efforts to attract investments and catalyse the launch of large-scale housing projects.

Pioneering localities in social housing development, highly praised by the Ministry of Construction, include Bình Dương, Bắc Ninh, Hải Phòng and Đồng Nai.

These localities stand as shining examples of innovation and dedication in the realm of social housing development.

Synchronised solutions

Previously lagging behind in social housing development, Hải Phòng has now emerged as one of the leading localities nationwide in implementing the policy of constructing social housing, achieving set targets.

With more than two million residents, including a significant portion receiving modest incomes, the city's demand for affordable housing is palpable. Chairman of the Hải Phòng City People's Committee Nguyễn Văn Tùng attests to the city's unwavering commitment to meet this demand and achieve its set targets.

In the inner areas of Hải Phòng, ageing apartment blocks, bustling core neighbourhoods, and industrial hubs beckon approximately 500,000 workers, mostly from neighbouring provinces.

In response to this dynamic urban landscape, the city has placed a paramount focus on addressing the pressing issue of social housing.

Aiming for a transformative shift in urban development, the city has recently unveiled an ambitious resolution charting the course of social housing development until 2030. The city plans to build 33,500 social housing units, propelled by a directive from the Prime Minister to deliver over 14,000 units by 2025.

Fuelled by a commitment to inclusive and equitable urban growth, Hải Phòng's leaders have embarked on a mission to redefine the narrative surrounding social housing. No longer confined to mere shelters for the underprivileged, these housing initiatives aspire to foster vibrant communities, complete with essential amenities like hospitals and schools, all while remaining accessible and affordable to the city's diverse populace.

Hải Phòng's strides towards housing equality are already palpable, with six projects comprising around 4,068 apartments already operational. Happy Home is the seventh project that commenced right at the beginning of the new year 2024, with a scale of 4,300 apartments.

The city has chosen partnerships for nine projects, totalling 8,890 units, while paving the way for investment in an additional six ventures, including a staggering 15,377 units.

City leaders emphasise that by 2025, it will meet the target of 15,400 social housing units for the period of 2021-25 set by the Government.

In Bắc Ninh, a locality poised to become a hub for high-tech industries by 2050, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Đào Quang Khải revealed that the province has commenced 54 projects targeting low-income individuals and industrial zone workers.

These initiatives are set to create 7.1 million square metres of space, housing 77,000 apartments and accommodating 231,000 residents upon completion.

The province plans to develop 30,670 apartments by 2025, followed by 41,510 units until 2030.

The synchronised approach includes urban planning reviews, land allocation for social housing and tailored policies to attract investment, especially for industrial workers.

Approximately 172 hectares of land have been set aside for social housing, aligning with development targets.

The provincial People's Committee oversees the implementation of a VNĐ120 trillion support package, guiding investors through loan processes and ensuring compliance.

Currently, Bắc Ninh boasts six projects with a total investment surpassing VNĐ14.5 trillion and an estimated loan capital of around VNĐ3.38 trillion.

Mobilising resources and enhancing incentives

A low-cost social housing complex in Thủ Dầu Một City, Bình Dương Province.

Bình Dương Province, a bustling hub of industrial growth, is drawing a significant workforce to its vibrant landscape.

Recognised by the Ministry of Construction as the country's leader in developing urban social housing and worker accommodations, Bình Dương has mobilised resources to tackle housing challenges, particularly in the realm of social housing, ensuring sustainable development.

From 2011 to 2015, the province attracted 82 social housing projects, setting a strong foundation. Looking ahead to 2030, the province aims to invest in approximately 172,900 social housing units, providing around 678,300 residents.

Minister of Construction Nguyễn Thanh Nghị said Bình Dương stands out as a frontrunner in this arena, leading the charge in urban social housing and worker accommodations.

However, the minister also highlighted the need for increased investment to meet housing demand.

Some regions are yet to kick-start social housing projects, Nghị said, emphasising the importance of overcoming procedural hurdles and optimising land use.

Lowering interest rates and allocating land reserves are among the strategies proposed to accelerate progress, aligning with the VNĐ120 trillion support package.

Chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association (HoREA) Lê Hoàng Châu proposed competitive bidding to select investors for social housing projects, ensuring effective land utilisation. HoREA also advocates for additional incentives, such as fixed-profit schemes and preferential loans, to attract more investors.

According to Ministry of Construction data, the country has 499 social housing projects underway, reflecting the Government's commitment to constructing at least one million social housing units for low-income earners and industrial workers by 2030.

Of these, 71 projects have been completed, 127 are under construction, and 301 have secured investment approval. — VNS