Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during the third meeting of the central steering committee for eliminating substandard houses described the housing support programme as a “command from the heart” and called for the completion of the programme by the end of October 2025.
This initiative, deeply rooted in humanitarian values, is viewed as a gift from the Party and the State to the people, particularly to revolution contributors, low-income families, disadvantaged groups, and ethnic minorities under the belief that stable housing is essential for stable livelihoods. It also lays a strong foundation for the country’s development in a new era – that of the nation’s rise.
At the meeting held on March 10, the PM emphasised that 2025 marks numerous national celebrations and historic milestones. Therefore, the Party and State wish to give the people, especially the poor, those in remote and ethnic minority areas, and vulnerable groups something truly meaningful.
Demonstrating this commitment, the PM approved the allocation of over 2.5 trillion VND (about 100 million USD) from the 2024 central government’s 5% expenditure savings to localities that are facing financial difficulty in implementing the housing programme.
In the 10 days following the meeting, provinces and cities across the country launched the campaign with urgency and high responsibility. Reports of completed and newly initiated housing projects have poured in, highlighting the collective determination of the entire political system, social organisations, and citizens to ensure secure housing for all.
According to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, 54 provinces have approved their plans to address temporary and dilapidated housing, six more than the previous report. These include Ninh Binh (1,216 houses), Ha Tinh (1,374), Ben Tre (2,101), An Giang (3,156), Quang Tri (7,663), and Binh Duong (455), with all aiming for completion by mid or late 2025.
Notably, the southern province of Binh Duong aims to complete 50% of its housing upgrades by April 30 and all by June 30. Ben Tre targets full completion by December 31.
As part of the campaign, over 8,700 local steering committees have been formed at the commune level, and 54 provincial-level localities have issued regulations governing the organisation and operation of their steering committees. Plans have been officially issued in 61 provinces, with Hanoi and Hai Phong exempt due to having already eliminated all substandard housing.
Bac Ninh recently became the latest locality to complete the programme, in celebration of the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Additionally, 14 provinces aim to finish in second quarter of this year, and 22 more in the third quarter.
The programme's overarching goal is to basically eliminate all temporary and dilapidated housing nationwide by October 31.
Localities nationwide are demonstrating strong determination and substantial efforts. In Nghe An, despite initial challenges, eight of its 20 district-level localities have completed the programme, with others racing to catch up. In Thai Binh, authorities aim to complete 100% of housing upgrades for poor and near-poor households by June 30. As of March 13, the province had already begun construction or renovation of 1,088 homes.
This sweeping effort reflects the Government’s deep commitment to social welfare and the principle that stable housing is not just shelter—it is dignity, opportunity, and a promise of better future for all.
During his working session with the People’s Committee of Quang Nam province on March 18, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung emphasised that despite facing many challenges, Quang Nam has recently introduced breakthrough policies in implementing poverty reduction programmes, promoting collective economy development, and eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing.
PM Chinh has also recently acknowledged the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the banking sector, other ministries, agencies, and localities for their proactive activities that have generated positive outcomes for the housing support programme./.
