Ho Chi Minh City is taking significant steps to tackle housing shortages and streamline processes for social housing developments, as the city grapples with increasing demand for affordable living spaces. Deputy Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong recently chaired a meeting to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for expedited action.
The city is gearing up for several upcoming housing projects, with plans to complete four additional developments adding 2,874 units by the year 2025. This initiative includes cooperation with local labor federations and various construction entities to manage the new housing schemes effectively.
Among the targeted projects are 953 apartment units within the Vinh Loc B urban area of Binh Chanh District. The municipal government has instructed the Department of Construction to perform thorough documentation reviews to align with previous directives aimed at overseeing the proper management and operation of these residences.
Further planning includes assessing eight identified plots for potential social housing construction. The Department of Urban Planning and Architecture has been tasked with evaluating these lands to determine their suitability for rental housing projects.
Meanwhile, three other plots are being highlighted for investor engagement, which includes locations in District 12 and Thu Duc City. The Department of Planning and Investment is assessing these areas to clarify whether the bidding processes should adhere to land law regulations or fall under industry-specific laws.
Ho Chi Minh City's government has set up task forces aimed at overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and expediting the social housing investment process. With concrete strategies being implemented, officials anticipate collecting updated reports from construction firms interested in participating, as well as compiling lists of current social housing projects.
Since 2021, TPHCM has made considerable progress, delivering five social housing projects with 2,377 units, alongside another labor accommodation project facilitating 368 additional units. Currently, four more projects are underway, adding up to 2,874 units collectively. By the end of 2025, the city aims to complete another four projects, resulting in approximately 5,619 housing units available for use, significantly enhancing the region's social housing capacity.
To maintain momentum, TPHCM is establishing monthly specialized meetings focused on social housing to systematically address obstacles and discuss new constructions. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to proactive governance and addressing housing needs with urgency.
Investment participation is also being bolstered by engaging with 11 companies under the auspices of the labor federation, leading to the registration of 40,000 social housing units. All efforts are underscored by the command for systematic cooperation among city departments to synchronize the implementation of housing policies, ensuring compliance and efficiency throughout the process.
Moving forward, the city will institute public tenders for prime investment opportunities concerning three specific state-managed plots, projected to encompass up to 3,000 new housing units. This strategic move aligns with governmental objectives outlined in Directive 34, which aims to respond to the pressing needs of various demographic sectors, including workers and civil servants reliant on state salaries.
Despite these advancements, the TPHCM government acknowledges the challenges and works diligently to bridge gaps between housing supply and demand, ensuring fast-tracked housing initiatives anchor as core priorities within its urban development framework.
With changing demographics and economic pressures, Ho Chi Minh City stands at the crossroads of substantial urban transformation, committed to fostering affordable living solutions, enhancing communal infrastructure, and incrementing overall growth.
The proactive strategies being put forth by TPHCM represent not just housing solutions, but also signify the city’s endeavor to invigorate its socioeconomic fabric, responding to both current and future needs for urban living.