The Department of Construction recently suggested that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee establish a plan to clear and relocate all homes built along rivers, canals, and streams.

Of the total 48,143 homes currently situated in these areas, 1,149 have received compensation and been cleared, while 243 are currently undergoing the process. However, 46,452 homes remain without any compensation or resettlement plans. To accommodate these relocations, approximately 8,157 social housing units will be required.

The Department of Construction highlights that resettlement housing demand is particularly high in areas where canal dredging and improvement projects are underway.

For instance, the dredging and renovation project for Xuyen Tam Canal, which runs through Binh Thanh District, will require 864 resettlement units. Meanwhile, the northern bank improvement project for Kenh Doi Canal in District 8 will need 680 units.

However, due to the lack of comprehensive sociological research, some districts have been unable to precisely estimate the number of resettlement homes needed for affected residents.

The department has assessed that most houses along these waterways are built without legal documentation and are technically encroachments. As such, they do not qualify for land compensation but may be eligible for housing support. Even so, not all cases meet the conditions for such assistance.

Given these circumstances, the Department has advised the city's People's Committee to establish a comprehensive relocation plan for all houses along rivers and canals. It also recommends that local governments carry out sociological surveys, compile data, and contribute feedback for effective implementation.

Anh Phuong