Lai Chau (VNA) – Authorities in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau have set a target to complete the programme to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated houses by June 25, despite major challenges.
At a hybrid conference held on April 22, the provincial steering committee for the programme convened representatives from local departments and agencies to finalise the implementation roadmap and assign specific tasks.
According to the steering committee’s report, a total of 7,064 local households require support, comprising 5,831 in need of new construction and 1,233 repairs, with an estimated total cost of nearly 387 billion VND (approximately 14.9 million USD).
So far, Lai Chau has mobilised funds to support the construction or renovation of 6,280 homes, equivalent to 349 billion VND, from various sources. The provincial People’s Committee is seeking additional funding from the central government to address the remaining shortfall needed to complete the programme.
At the conference, officials proposed several solutions to address ongoing difficulties, such as material shortages and a lack of skilled workers.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trong Hai suggested allowing controlled extraction of resources, enabling flexible land-use conversions for housing, and encouraging community-based labour exchanges to accelerate construction in villages.
Giang Pao My, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, highlighted the programme’s political and social significance, particularly for poor and ethnic minority communities in remote areas. She urged officials to closely oversee the implementation and address arising issues promptly./.
