From makeshift shelters to solid homes: Điện Biên’s housing push

ĐBP - With strong determination and decisive, effective measures, Điện Biên province’s program to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated housing has delivered tangible results. Thousands of poor, near-poor, and policy beneficiary families now have solid, spacious homes, improving social welfare, raising living standards, and driving the development of new-style rural communities in highland villages.

Provincial authorities, including the Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee, have consistently prioritized this program. The Party Committee issued Decision No.4945-QĐ/TU to establish a Steering Board on social housing development and housing support policies for policy beneficiaries. Based on this framework, localities set up their own steering committees, developed operating regulations, and implemented the program in line with provincial guidance.

The People’s Committee directed departments and local governments to accelerate progress. Steering committees at all levels were consolidated in a timely manner to ensure continuity under the two-tier local administration model. A guiding principle of “six clarities”-clear person, clear task, clear responsibility, clear authority, clear timeline, clear result-has driven significant momentum toward the province’s housing goals.

Initial surveys identified 7,970 substandard homes needing repair or reconstruction. After adjustments for households already supported, deceased beneficiaries, or families relocating, 7,365 homes remained on the list (100%). Of these, 6,223 have been completed (84.62%) and 1,142 are under construction. The province is determined to finish the program by August 30, 2025.

Representatives from the Department of Construction and local authorities hand over a house to a poor family in Mường Tùng commune.

As of the latest report, funding disbursed totaled VND 280.547 billion out of VND 402.270 billion (69.74%). This includes VND 223.742 billion from the central budget, VND 35.399 billion from the provincial budget, VND 15.455 billion from social contributions, and VND 5.920 billion from household contributions.

The program has generated innovative, effective models reflecting the spirit: “Those with labor contribute labor, those with resources contribute resources-each gives what they can”.  A standout example is the “government-people-armed forces building homes together” model. Police, military, and border guard units have not only conducted surveys, design, and material transport but also joined hands to build houses for poor households. This approach saves costs, ensures quality, and strengthens the bond between the armed forces and local communities.

Border guard and provincial military units, in coordination with grassroots authorities and the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, have promoted the “Joining hands to eliminate substandard housing in 2025” campaign. They identified needy households, contributed 312 working days, transported materials, prepared foundations, and directly built homes for 34 families in border areas.

In parallel, Điện Biên launched the “Homes of gratitude” program, mobilizing support from socio-political organizations, businesses, and philanthropists. The initiative raised hundreds of billions of VND, funding the construction and repair of thousands of homes for poor, near-poor, and policy beneficiary families.

Building on lessons from earlier initiatives, the province emphasized transparency and consistency from provincial to grassroots levels. Families were encouraged to take ownership under the principle “community supports, families take the lead”. Beneficiaries prepared land, materials, and labor, while additional resources were mobilized to enhance quality and sustainability. Poor households were categorized, such as extremely difficult, elderly, or ethnic minority families, with tailored support packages ranging from full to partial assistance in cash, materials, or labor. This approach ensured fairness and effective use of resources.

Sùng A Nắng, a resident of Mạy Hốc village, Si Pa Phìn commune, Điện Biên province, shared: “Our new house is spacious and sturdy. My family is so happy. It gives us motivation to work harder, improve income, and build a stable life.”

Another highlight is the production of non-fired bricks from soil and cement to support housing construction. In Na Sang commune, 8,000 bricks were produced to help two families build new homes. In Điện Biên Phủ ward, 35,000 bricks were produced, with 12,000 already delivered to villages for housing projects.

Quàng Văn Phương, from Na Sang commune, said: “Thanks to the non-fired bricks, my family now has a solid home. We are deeply grateful to the authorities, organizations, and neighbors who made this possible.”

The newly built houses not only provide shelter but also instill hope for a better future. With high political commitment, solidarity, and joint efforts, Điện Biên province is on track to complete its housing program, contributing to sustainable development, improved living standards, and strengthened public trust in the leadership of the Party and State.

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