So far, 57 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide have established and strengthened their steering committees for implementing the meaningful program. The remaining 6 localities, including Hồ Chí Minh City, Hà Nội, Quảng Ninh, Vĩnh Phúc, Hải Phòng, and Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu, did not establish such committees as they have already completed the eradication of these types of houses.

With the combined efforts of the entire political system and the mobilization of the “great national unity,” as of January 2025, over 44,000 houses have been completed and handed over to recipients nationwide, while other 32,500 are under construction. Bắc Ninh Province has confirmed the completion of its goal to have no makeshift, dilapidated houses before the upcoming 2025 Lunar New Year.

In Điện Biên Province, a review revealed that nearly 6,000 makeshift, dilapidated houses remain in need of support, with an estimated budget requirement of approximately VNĐ 300 billion. Under the program to build gratitude houses for poor and near-poor households in border areas across four districts of Nậm Pồ, Điện Biên, Mường Chà, and Mường Nhé, 300 households have been supported with a total budget of VNĐ 15 billion (VNĐ 50 million per house). Via the province’s “For the Poor Fund," VNĐ 10 billion has been allocated for the program, with 121 houses completed, 34 yet to be started, and the remaining houses nearing completion.

For thousands of families in Điện Biên Province, living in good-quality houses has long been a dream. Thus, the government’s initiative to eliminate makeshift, dilapidated houses offers a beacon of hope for poor and near-poor households across the nation in general and in the province in particular. However, financial resources required for this initiative in Điện Biên remain substantial. Due to the province’s mountainous and border location, where most residents are ethnic minority groups facing significant challenges, local resources are still insufficient.

To achieve the goal of eliminating makeshift, dilapidated houses by 2025, Điện Biên Province calls for further assistance from the entire political system, especially sponsors and businesses nationwide, to join hands in this effort.

The program to eliminate makeshift, dilapidated houses reflects humanitarian values and embodies the unique traditional spirit of Vietnamese people. Since 2021, Điện Biên Province has effectively implemented a program to build houses for the poor, resulting in nearly 9,000 new or upgraded homes. Notably, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee launched a housing project for the disadvantaged in Điện Biên Province. Under this initiative, 5,000 poor households received support, with the construction of these houses completed in January 2024. These new homes not only provide secure shelter for local recipients in need but also inspire them to further develop economy to gradually escape from poverty. This achievement is the result of contributions from numerous organizations and individuals within and beyond the province. Over the past 2 years, more than VNĐ 300 billion has been raised to support construction of houses for the poor and disadvantaged in the province.

After receiving financial support from organizations and individuals, local authorities in Điện Biên Province diligently reviewed and identified eligible households to ensure appropriate assistance plans. The provincial People’s Committee directed relevant departments and affiliated authorities at all levels to accurately assess the number of households in need and prioritize resources to eliminate makeshift, dilapidated houses by 2025. The entire political system has actively participated in the effort. Once a household is identified for support, local forces and organizations join hands to demolish the downgraded house, prepare construction site, and contribute working days to the construction of new one.

So far, during the implementation of the program in the province, solidarity and joint efforts from the entire political system have overcome all current challenges, such as difficult terrain and dispersed population. Many makeshift, dilapidated houses have been replaced ahead of schedule. Districts like Mường Chà, Mường Nhé, Điện Biên Đông, Nậm Pồ, Điện Biên, and Tủa Chùa are among localities in the province well deploying the program.

However, many families in the province continue to face hardship, regularly affected by natural disasters. The number of poor households, policy beneficiaries, and families in difficult circumstances requiring housing support remains significant, while provincial resources are insufficient to meet their demands. Moreover, building houses in mountainous regions requires additional manpower to overcome logistical challenges. To address these issues, the province has proposed that ministries and agencies design housing models that align with local culture and customs while ensuring quality and efficiency.

Upholding the achievement of housing projects for the poor in recent years, Điện Biên Province hopes to continue receiving contributions from organizations and individuals nationwide to complete the goal of eliminating makeshift, dilapidated houses by 2025. New houses are considered meaningful gifts to impoverished families as the 2025 Lunar New Year is around the corner, showing the community’s commitment to “leave no one behind.” This shared effort motivates residents to further strive for a better life, strengthen the great national unity bloc, and actively participate in firmly protecting the national territorial sovereignty and border security.