Hanoi's 50-Year-Old Apartment Block Faces Redevelopment Amidst Lingering Challenges

Trương Định apartment block in Hà Nội, built between 1970-1980, is now a symbol of urban decay, with residents enduring cramped living spaces, damp walls, leaky roofs, and frequent flooding. The 10 two-story buildings are in dire need of renovation. Peeling walls reveal exposed red bricks, and many damaged windows have been bricked up. Roof tiles are largely ruined, and ceilings show signs of concrete spalling, exposing steel reinforcement. Residents have resorted to self-funded repairs, including replacing tiles with corrugated iron and reinforcing ceilings with cement to combat leaks. Lê Thị Hon, 62, who moved into the block in 2004, has spent over VND20 million (approximately $800) on repairs for her 13.5 sqm apartment. Due to the floor being 20 cm below street level, she has built a raised threshold, but heavy rains still cause flooding. Nguyễn Thị Cảnh, 51, shares a 25 sqm apartment with her two sons. The space is barely enough for a bed and a small kitchen. "I hope the block is rebuilt and we can be resettled on-site with equivalent area because we cannot afford to pay the difference for a larger apartment," she said. According to urban planning, the Trương Định collective housing area will be redeveloped into two high-rise apartment buildings, up to 30 floors, with over 1,000 units to accommodate more than 2,000 residents. However, investors and compensation plans are yet to be determined. Hà Nội has 11 old apartment building renovation projects underway and three completed, aiming to renovate 20,000 units by 2030 and complete redevelopment of 2,160 buildings by 2035. Residents like Nguyễn Thị Oanh, 59, who lives in a 10 sqm unit converted from an old kitchen, face constant worry from leaks and structural instability. Shared toilets and limited communal spaces are common. Many apartments lack windows or balconies, leading residents to use common pathways for drying clothes, creating a cluttered environment. Exposed and tangled electrical wiring poses a fire hazard, and the block lacks a fire prevention system. Illegal extensions have further compromised the buildings' integrity. The Tương Mai Ward People's Committee has announced a 1/500 scale plan for the redevelopment, but the specifics of investor selection and resident resettlement remain unclear, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Source: VnExpress