Hanoi Accelerates Resettlement for Urban Development Project Amidst Housing Delays

Hanoi is accelerating the resettlement of residents for an urban development project. Following the opening of the Hoang Cau - Voi Phuc section of Ring Road 1, the O Cho Dua ward is urgently clearing land for a project to build parking lots, green spaces, and flower gardens in the median strip between Ring Road 1 and La Thanh Street. The project, covering an area of 6,803 square meters with an investment of over VND 2,921 billion (approximately USD 120 million), is slated for implementation between 2026 and 2029. Upon completion, it aims to synchronize technical infrastructure, improve urban aesthetics, increase green space and landscape, and enhance the quality of life and mobility for residents in the area. According to a representative from the O Cho Dua Ward People's Committee, all 166 compensation plans (for two organizations and 164 households) have been publicized, and dialogue sessions with residents were held on August 27. To date, three households and two organizations have handed over clean land, 24 households have handed over the site after partial demolition, and 40 households have signed handover minutes but have not yet delivered. During dialogues with affected households, residents generally agreed with the project's objectives but raised concerns regarding compensation for land assets, land origin, deduction of land use fees, resettlement policies, legal basis, and planning. The current bottleneck is the unfinished resettlement housing and land. Affected households are expected to receive 151 land plots at the GS1 resettlement area in Thuong Cat ward and 151 apartments at CT1 Xuan La in Nghia Do ward. However, the GS1 area is projected to complete land clearance in October 2026, and the CT1 Xuan La housing is expected to finish repairs in December 2026. In the interim, the city has arranged 277 vacant apartments from the Thien Loc commune's worker housing to serve as temporary accommodation. At a dialogue session on September 2, Mr. Do Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, instructed city departments and the O Cho Dua ward to promptly review, classify, and address residents' petitions. He emphasized that all plans must be fully disclosed for public supervision and implementation. Mr. Tuan also directed departments and the ward to resolve issues raised in 129 petitions within 10 days. Matters exceeding their authority must be promptly reported to the city for consideration and resolution. Alongside resolving issues, the city stressed the importance of ensuring residents' lives are supported during the relocation and resettlement process. This includes providing necessary procedural and financial assistance as per regulations, and focusing on infrastructure, schools, environment, markets, and community facilities in new residential areas. The city has allocated funds for compensation, support, temporary housing, and related policies, urging the ward to expedite approval and disbursement for households that have already handed over land. In the coming week, O Cho Dua ward will collaborate with Thuong Cat ward to organize the first draw for land resettlement. Concurrently, the Department of Construction is urged to expedite the handover of CT1 Xuan La resettlement apartments to residents in October, ensuring their peace of mind and stability, thereby fostering consensus for land handover and project implementation.