Hanoi workers call for social housing

Hanoi (VNA) - Building social housing for workers and improving infrastructure at industrial zones were among issues raised by more than 300 workers at recent meetings with Hanoi authorities.

At the meetings, held at the Bac Thang Long industrial zone in Dong Anh District of Hanoi, representatives from businesses proposed the city invest in building social housing for workers near industrial zones to rent or buy on hire-purchase at reasonable prices, particularly in areas with a high density of workers.

They stressed that this is an urgent need as most workers came from other localities or from low-income rural areas. They currently have to rent houses far from work with high rent, water and electricity fees.

Many workers asked that municipal authorities invest in building infrastructure, including kindergartens, schools, hospitals and supermarkets to improve the living conditions of workers and their families.

They also recommended upgrading deteriorated infrastructure at industrial parks such as roads and water drainage systems and proposed authorities promptly deal with other problems relating to the environment, social insurance and administrative procedures.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said he would instruct relevant agencies to gradually handle issues raised by the workers.

He also publicised a hotline number, 0903407319, to receive complaints from workers.

“I will work with local authorities and management agencies of industrial zones to support workers and deal with their recommendations,” he said.-VNA