Editor's note:

District 1 is considered the most bustling and affluent central district of Ho Chi Minh City. However, few people know that there are still residents living in tiny apartments, barely a few square meters in size, who have to take turns sleeping, doing laundry, and using shared toilets.

Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen emphasized that special solutions are needed to resolve the issue decisively, and that people cannot be allowed to endure this situation any longer.

VietNamNet documented the cramped and stifling living conditions of the people, as well as their thoughts and aspirations as the city is determined to renovate its urban infrastructure.

Speaking to VietNamNet about the plight of residents who have to take turns sleeping, Mr. Duong Anh Duc, Secretary of the District Party Committee of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, said that anyone who hasn't visited these housing areas during the pandemic would find it hard to imagine how miserable they are. Using the word "horrific" when seeing such living conditions wouldn't be wrong.

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Mr. Duong Anh Duc proposed a special solution to renovate areas where "residents take turns sleeping." Photo: CTV

"Everyone thinks District 1 is the wealthy district, because it's the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City. But few people know that there are still people living in misery, having to take turns sleeping, eating, bathing, and using the toilet... because the housing is extremely cramped," Mr. Duc said.

He listed areas in the heart of District 1 such as the Chicken Market - Rice Market (Cau Ong Lanh Ward), Ma Lang area (also known as the Nguyen Cu Trinh quadrilateral), Ma Lo area (Tan Dinh Ward)... where many households live in similar conditions.

According to Mr. Duc, all levels, from district to city, are concerned and seeking solutions to improve the lives of residents and urban development in these areas. However, in reality, it is very difficult due to numerous constraints from existing regulations and rules.

The District 1 Party Secretary also stated that in the past, many investors came but had to leave because they couldn't carry out the projects, despite full support from the district and city authorities.

"It can be said that this is a problem of the century, and finding a solution to this problem will not happen overnight," the District 1 Party Secretary expressed.

District 1 is inviting a number of experts and investors to provide feedback. On the local level, the district is also researching and comparing current legal regulations and provisions to determine what special mechanisms and minimum conditions are required for the renovation or project if it is to be implemented.

"There are some investors (in fact, benevolent investors - editor's note) who are willing and accepting to undertake projects that break even. However, we also need to see what they discuss, what their minimum requirements are, so that we can seek the opinion of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee," Mr. Duc said.

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In her small, cramped house, Mrs. Thu tries to keep everything tidy to prevent fire hazards. Photo: Ha Nguyen

Renovation carried out with a 100% selfless spirit.

Mr. Duc informed that the district authorities had considered two options: relocating or resettling these residential areas in the same location.

However, the principle of on-site resettlement is very difficult to implement because some households have an area of ​​less than 10m2, while social housing apartments are 30-40m2. Residents cannot afford to pay extra, and investors cannot afford to finance it.

Furthermore, relocating residents also deprives them of livelihood opportunities, as they have lived in these areas for decades. Significantly, in these residential areas, some households have land ownership certificates while others do not.

"Authorities at all levels are calculating how to implement the project with minimal costs but maximum benefits. It's a very contradictory and difficult task. But it must be done to change the lives of the people," Mr. Duong Anh Duc affirmed, adding that the immediate priority is to ensure fire safety for the residents.

Mr. Duc also stated that renovating these areas requires a special mechanism for implementation. The district will find its own solution and seek guidance from higher authorities to follow that solution.

"Urban renovation in these areas is being carried out with a 100% non-profit spirit. Investors who come here with ulterior motives or to 'scam' will not be allowed to do it," Mr. Duc clarified.

Previously, at the expanded City Party Committee meeting on June 14th, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen directed that special solutions are needed to definitively resolve the issue and prevent people from having to endure this situation any longer.

According to him, to renovate or implement projects in these areas, a specific mechanism must be found, tailored to the specific circumstances. Local authorities must take action, and if necessary, report to higher levels for appropriate and timely guidance.

Living in 2-square-meter homes and having to take turns sleeping, why don't people want to move?

Living in 2-square-meter homes and having to take turns sleeping, why don't people want to move?

Living in a house where people take turns sleeping in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, where even moving around is difficult, this man in his 70s still has to hold a memorial service for his deceased relatives every year.
Tiny 2-3m² houses in Ho Chi Minh City: Husbands and wives take turns sleeping, one stays at home, the other sleeps on the street.

Tiny 2-3m² houses in Ho Chi Minh City: Husbands and wives take turns sleeping, one stays at home, the other sleeps on the street.

Known as the "rich district" of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 still has tiny houses. Sometimes, family members have to take turns sleeping and using the bathroom.