The 5-storey Doc Hanh apartment complex in Trung Thanh Ward (Thai Nguyen City) consists of 3 rows of houses. This is where hundreds of households live. The apartment complex was built by Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Corporation in 1976. After nearly 5 decades, the entire row of houses has now deteriorated, posing a potential safety risk.
Having lived in the apartment building for more than 20 years, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh (building A3) said that after a long period of use, the entire infrastructure has seriously degraded. Residents have to reinforce themselves to ensure safety.
"The walls are peeling and no longer bonded. Many iron pillars are exposed, and the bricks and mortar are cracked. The stairs have serious subsidence that can be seen with the naked eye. Outside, moss is covering everything, and plants are climbing up the walls. It's humid in the rainy season, and stuffy and cramped in the hot season. People are very insecure and worried about living here," Ms. Binh confided.
According to Ms. Binh, the apartment building is in such bad condition that everyone is afraid, especially during rainy, stormy days. In fact, there have been cases where people had to go to the emergency room because a ceiling collapsed on them.
Sharing the same sentiment, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (Trung Thanh Ward, Thai Nguyen City) said that all 3 rows of houses have deteriorated. Each row has more than 80 apartments, many of which are empty because people have moved to other places to live. The apartment building was built nearly 50 years ago, so it is no longer solid and sturdy.
"The buildings were designed and built according to ancient architecture, so they are not safe now. You can see the serious deterioration with the naked eye. Some places are bare and no longer bonded. The iron and steel have rusted over time, and just a light touch on the walls will cause them to peel off. Even climbing plants cling to the surfaces of the buildings. Due to the circumstances, people still have to live here, despite the danger," said Mr. Thanh.
According to Mr. Thanh, if there is an upgrade plan, people will hand over the land and will buy it after completion.
According to Mr. Pham Duc Giang - Vice Chairman of Thai Nguyen City People's Committee, after studying the reality, the city has considered the public investment plan to rebuild the entire apartment complex, and arrange for on-site resettlement for households living here. However, due to limited budget, it has not been possible to implement it. The City People's Committee will continue to study, report to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration, and support funding for investment according to regulations, to stabilize people's lives.
