Context of the Project
In mid-October, a dialogue meeting was held by the People’s Committee of Vinh Hung Ward, Hanoi, where lawyer Giang Nam expressed concerns about the urban renovation project affecting the Vinh Hung area. Residents had previously submitted petitions regarding the project but received no responses, leading them to wear red shirts to protest against the planned relocations.
Project Scope and Impact
The Vinh Hung urban renovation project covers approximately 447 hectares with an investment of nearly 186 trillion VND. It is estimated that around 7,250 households, nearly 20,000 people, or about 25% of the ward’s population will be affected. The project allocates about 70% of the area for transportation infrastructure, public spaces, and social amenities, while the remaining area is designated for high-rise buildings, including resettlement housing and commercial properties.
Public Concerns
Residents have expressed their desire for fair and reasonable execution of the project, ensuring their legitimate interests are protected, including housing, livelihoods, and cultural values. Concerns have escalated recently due to the imminent eviction process, while compensation and resettlement plans remain unclear. Many residents fear losing their livelihoods, especially those who rely on street vending in their current homes.
Compensation Issues
There is significant anxiety regarding compensation rates and the adequacy of resettlement housing. Many residents are uncertain if the compensation will suffice to purchase equivalent housing. Past experiences from other projects have left residents skeptical, as they often had to pay additional amounts to secure new homes after eviction.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Residents have criticized the lack of transparency and engagement from authorities regarding the project. During the dialogue meeting, concerns were raised about the absence of representatives from the project developers or city officials to provide clear explanations. Allegations of manipulated community consultations have also surfaced, with claims that residents were informed the project would proceed regardless of their feedback.
Recent Developments
On October 17, lawyer Giang Nam highlighted discrepancies in the project’s planning documents, suggesting that areas previously marked as outside the project scope were later included. A document from Sun Group, the project investor, indicated updates to the planning to align with land use maps, but independent verification of this information remains pending.
