For the past 13 years, 81 households in a residential project area in Da Nang, central Vietnam have endured degrading living conditions without knowing when they will be relocated.

Looking over the planned area from the Cam Le Bridge in Hoa Xuan Ward, Cam Le District, one will see that the landscape is overtaken by a dilapidated community nestled along the bank of the Cam Le River, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding modern urban zones.

According to Tran Van Em, a local resident, the area is home to 81 households, though some have resorted to renting temporary accommodations outside the neighborhood due to the increasing degradation of their homes and the surrounding landscape.

Due to suspended planning for the past thirteen years, many houses in this area are on the brink of collapse since they cannot be constructed or renovated.

Furthermore, the conversion of neighboring communities into elevated urban areas has worsened flooding in the low-lying neighborhood.

"The houses are so degraded that many have postponed weddings for their children,” Em said, adding that his own house and many others frequently suffer flooding from the adjacent river.

Moreover, the lack of upgrades to roads and power lines over the past 13 years has left them in severe disrepair.

"Both residents and local authorities are exhausted [by the situation] and hope for a swift resolution to the suspended residential area," said one local resident.

"Whether we relocate or remain where we are, we need a decision soon, along with repairs to our infrastructure.”

A decade of suspension

Cluster 89 in Hoa Xuan Ward has been earmarked for public use for over a decade.

Initially, news of the residential project led to attempts to divide and sell plots, resulting in 362 properties being filed despite there being only 81 households in the cluster.

Da Nang's estimated project costs encompass VND375 billion (US$15 million) for site clearance, compensation, and the allocation of 300 plots of land for relocation purposes.

Le Quang Nam, vice-chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the coastal city remains committed to the planned residential development for E - Hoa Xuan – a reference to Cluster 89.  

E - Hoa Xuan will remain public land, serving as a green park, a riverside reserve, and a flood drainage corridor, said Nam.

While awaiting approval of the project, the Cam Le District People’s Committee will be responsible for overseeing and preventing illegal construction and activities, according to the Da Nang People’s Committee.

"While many enterprises propose transforming the land into a cosmopolitan city or sports venue, Da Nang is resolute in preserving it for public use," Nam emphasized.

"This stance is non-negotiable.”

Given the public nature of the land, Da Nang must allocate resources and time for the E - Hoa Xuan project.

Consequently, the 81 households locked in the suspended area for over a decade will have to continue to wait.

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