Even though the Hanoi Municipal Government has approved a plan to relocate Old Quarter residents, many people are still unsure about who will go and who will stay.

Cramped living condition in Old Quarter

During the recent meeting between the Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen The Thao and local residents in Hoan Kiem District, several people said they don't have enough money to build new houses in the resettlement areas.

They all urged local authorities to work out solutions and implement more supporting policies as soon as possible.

Under the relocation plan, over 6,500 households-- around 26,000 people-- in the Old Quarter would have to move to resettlement areas in two phases.

As a result, over 1,500 households would have to relocate to Viet Hung Urban Area in Long Bien District in the first phase. Those that  move will include households that live near historic sites, schools, offices, as well as very populous families and those who live in old houses that need special preservation.

The plan is aimed to lessen population density in the Old Quarter from the current 823 people per hectares to 500 people per hectare. Households that have already relocated must be ensured a minimum area of 25 square metres per person in their new living places.

“We’re very happy with the relocation plan. However, many of us who are living under the poverty line and are struggling to earn a daily living are uncertain about our future because we don’t know where to get the necessary funds to build new houses that meet the space requirements,” said Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a local resident.

In order to deal with the situation, Chieu proposed that the Municipal Government help build affordable housing for low--income residents.

“Under the plan, apartments in the resettlement areas must be at least 45 square meters each. Following local residents’ proposals, we’ll try to design more suitable housing for poor people,” said Vu Van Vien, Chairman of Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee.