Let workers' dreams of settling into reality

​Investing in the construction of at least 1 million social housing apartments for low-income people and workers at industrial parks in the period of 2021-2030 is a project just approved by the Government creating excitement in many workers and union officials.

The desire of workers to soon buy a social house suitable for their income

This project will be soon implemented, making it possible to realize the dream of many workers living far from home to settle down.

 Many workers are waiting

 Mr. Tran Sang Dai Phuc, a leather shoes worker in Trang Bom district said that owning a social house and paying in affordable installment is a long-term wish of employees. But so far, many people still have to stay in hot, humid hostels and unsafe living environment to work with peace of mind.

 “The labor force in Dong Nai is very large and most of them are staying in motels. I hope the locality will soon have social housing projects built near industrial parks with reasonable prices so that employees can own their own houses and feel happy with the locality "- Mr. Phuc shared.

 Similarly, up to now, Le Van Vu and his wife from Dong Thap province have been working as workers in Dong Nai for more than 5 years. That has been the same amount of time he has attached to the hostels. His family has always dreamed of having their own social house. However, with an income of just over 12 million VND per month for both husband and wife, that dream is still too far away.

 Mr. Vu said that there were over 40 workers living at his hostel area at Tam Hoa Ward (Bien Hoa City). Many workers have rented accommodations here for over 20 years. Therefore, workers away from home are very excited when they hear that the project of 1 million social houses will be implemented. Hopefully, after the Government approves the project, Dong Nai will soon implement housing projects, meeting the expectations of many workers away from home.

 After the surveys at the hostels with lots of workers, it can be seen that the quality of lives are still low, many wet and cramped hostels can accommodate the whole family of 4-5 people. Low income and life pressure make their dreams of owning houses too far away.

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Hopefully the project will soon come to fruition

 The project on social housing approved by the Government sets the target of developing workers' housing with prices suitable to the affordability of middle- and low-income households in urban areas and workers in industrial zones, export processing zones. Striving to 2030, the total number of apartments in localities will be more than 1 million completed. In which, there will be about 428,000 apartments completed in the period of 2021-2025; and about 634,000 apartments completed in the period of 2025-2030.

 In order for the project to be soon implemented, the Government requested localities to urgently complete the formulation, amendment and supplementation of housing development programs and plans. In which, clarify the goals of social housing for low-income people and workers. In addition, in the immediate future publicize and introduce the land fund for social housing investment for businesses to research and propose investment. Regarding development credit, focus on coordinating with the State Bank of Vietnam to implement a credit program of about VND 120 trillion and specific credit packages for investors and employees to borrow at low interest rate.

 In Dong Nai, the total number of workers in industrial zones with housing needs is about 410,000 people, of which workers from outside the province are about 321,000 people. Recently, the locality has paid special attention to the housing issue of employees, especially low-income workers, and considers this a goal of socio-economic development of the province. But so far, social housing projects for the above subjects are still limited, the number of apartments for employees is still small, not meeting the needs, desires and aspirations of the majority of workers.

 Ms. Le Thi Ngoc, staying at a hostel at Hoa An Ward (Bien Hoa City) said that she has been staying at a hostel for living in 10 years. Although the hostel room is old and degraded, but because the rent is quite cheap, just over 800,000 VND/month, her family consists of 3 people still have to accept their rent. From the end of 2022 until now, Ms. Ngoc and her husband have both had their jobs reduced, making it more difficult to cover daily expenses. "Employees are looking forward to the local social housing projects implemented with preferential prices to share the cost of accommodations and ensure the welfare of the employees" - Ms. Ngoc shared.

 Mr. Dang Tuan Tu, Chairman of the Trade Union of Changshin Vietnam Co., Ltd (Vinh Cuu district) said that the company currently has over 40,000 employees working. Over the years, the Trade Union and the company have always paid attention to housing issues for employees. Every year, the Trade Union sets a goal of building at least 10 trade union shelters; at the same time, mobilize employees to save to build their own houses. Currently, many employees of the company are still living at cheap accommodations but the living environment and security are not guaranteed.

 "I am very excited about the project of more than 1 million social houses for employees and I hope the Government will soon implement it so that employees can have stable accommodations to work at the business," said Mr. Tu.

 At TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company (Bien Hoa City), there are currently more than 10,000 over 35,000 employees living at hostels around the company. The company representative said that the demand for housing of employees in the company is very large, but they are almost unable to buy houses because of high prices and their salary limited. Therefore, the State needs to have special and drastic policies to make the project come to lives soon.​​