New housing opportunities for low-income people

(Baonghean) - At the 3rd session, the 17th Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 51/NQ-HDND dated December 16, 2016 on policies to support investment projects in building social housing in the province, opening up housing opportunities for many low-income people.

In 2010, the demand for social housing for low-income people was very large. In response to this reality, in order to encourage and attract investors in low-income housing projects and industrial park worker housing projects in the province; and at the same time, to demonstrate the government's interest and support in creating conditions for people to have housing, the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 317/NQ-HDND dated July 10, 2010 on support policies for low-income housing projects.

This resolution, after being issued, has been put into practice and has had very positive effects. By the end of 2016, the province has implemented 6 social projects, including 656 apartments in Vinh city. From the province's policy, social housing projects implemented in the past have been exempted from 4 - 5% of the total investment/project. On that basis, the Department of Construction has strictly appraised the selling price of these projects, deducting the State's support money in the cost price, ensuring the rights of the people with a selling price reduced by 5 - 10% compared to the selling price of commercial housing of the same type.

Hung Thinh and Hung Loc apartment complexes (Vinh City) for low-income earners, invested by Tecco. Photo: Thu Huyen

However, the current housing demand of the people is still very high. According to the forecast in the social housing development project in Vinh city, Cua Lo town and concentrated industrial zones in the province, from now until 2020, there is still a need for 3,500 apartments. On the other hand, based on the provisions of the 2014 Housing Law and Decree No. 100/ND-CP dated October 20, 2015 of the Government on the development and management of social housing, it is necessary to adjust and supplement Resolution 317 of the Provincial People's Council in accordance with the regulations and meet the actual requirements.

At the 3rd Session of the Provincial People's Council, term XVII, 2016 - 2021, the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 51/NQ-HDND dated December 16, 2016 on support policies for social housing construction investment projects. Accordingly, the subjects of support are domestic and foreign enterprises; cooperatives; households; individuals investing in the construction of social housing (apartment buildings) for rent, lease-purchase, and sale to the subjects specified in Article 49 of the 2014 Housing Law.

Investment support policies include: 100% support for topographic and geological survey costs and detailed project construction planning, but not exceeding 1 billion VND/project. 100% support for site clearance compensation costs (according to the State's compensation unit price after approval by competent authorities). 100% support for site leveling volume based on design estimates, but not exceeding 1 billion VND/project.

Support 80% of the investment cost for the construction of technical infrastructure systems, including public lighting, playgrounds, internal roads, and trees within the scope of social housing projects, but not exceeding 3 billion VND/project. The provincial budget invests in roads and drainage systems to the project fence; at the same time, create all conditions for investors to install electricity, water, and communication systems around the project fence.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Loi - Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, said that, based on the policy issued by the Provincial People's Council, in the coming time, the attraction of social housing projects will focus on industrial parks and economic zones. The Department will also strengthen inspection, supervision and serious appraisal, ensuring quality when put into use and ensuring services in social housing projects. At the same time, pay attention to the work of strict appraisal of selling prices, including deducting support money from the cost price, ensuring the rights of the people, reflecting the true spirit and humanity of this policy.

Minh Chi