Hanoi (VNA) 𝄹– In an unprecedented nationwide effort, Vietnam is rapidly advancing toward its ambitious goal of eliminating makeshift and substandard houses by October 31. Guided by directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister, the campaign has seen coordinated efforts from ministries and localities across the country, delivering tangible benefits to thousands of underprivileged households.

Dream of decent shelter comes true

Thousands of low-income families are now witnessing their dream of stable housing come to life, thanks to the national initiative to construct or renovate homes for those in need, particularly poor households, people with disabilities, and families of revolutionary contributors and martyrs. Many provinces and cities have already completed their housing support plans ahead of schedule. According to Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, Vietnam has made remarkable strides in poverty reduction over the past 80 years. However, he emphasised that escaping poverty without secure housing remains incomplete, as a home is fundamental to both stability and prosperity. Launched on October 5, 2024 by the Government and the Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the campaign is driven by the spirit of “No one is left behind.” As of April 18, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs reported that 201,651 substandard homes had been addressed—105,968 completed and 95,683 under construction—leaving just 34,700 homes remaining.

Provinces lead the way

Many provinces have already reached or surpassed their housing support goals ahead of schedule. The Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh announced completion on April 28, having mobilised over 492 billion VND (18.9 million USD) to support the construction or renovation of more than 6,100 homes, helping reduce the provincial poverty rate to only 0.87% at the end of 2024. So far this year, the province has supported 2,921 households with over 140 billion VND. Vinh Long province, also in the Mekong Delta, fulfilled its target of 1,329 homes—including 492 new builds and 837 renovations—meeting 100% of its assigned quota. The south-central province of Khanh Hoa concluded its programme in April, six months ahead of the national deadline, supporting 1,326 households, including 462 new homes and 864 renovations.

Ho Chi Minh City also achieved its target ahead of the April 30 deadline, constructing and upgrading 330 homes for poor and near-poor households with a budget of over 23.5 billion VND. The southern province of Binh Phuoc completed the construction and renovation of 765 houses two months ahead of its plan and six months ahead of the national schedule. Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Ton Ngoc Hanh emphasised the long-term vision, saying this is not just a one-off campaign, but a sustained journey toward ensuring safe, stable housing as a foundation for sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development. She attributed the success in the province to strong coordination between local authorities and communities. “These homes are more than shelters but they’re launching pads for brighter futures,” Hanh added. Meanwhile, other localities such as Binh Dinh and Hung Yen are nearing the finish line, aiming to complete all housing support for eligible households, especially poor families and those with meritorious service to the revolution, by May 31. This extraordinary progress reflects the collective will of the nation. With the unwavering commitment of the political system, active grassroots participation, and widespread social support, Vietnam is well-positioned to meet its goal of eliminating all substandard housing by October 31./.