Under Decision 167 by the Prime Minister on supporting poor families for their housing, the Ministry of Construction expects that from 2008 to 2012, 500,000 houses will be given to poor families in rural areas across the country. However, so far, nine provinces have completed the program with 340,000 houses built, accounting for 70% of the plan. Therefore, the Government and the Ministry of Construction have agreed to realize the plan one year before schedule and to complete it by the end of 2011. Dated 12 December 2008, the decision set priority in housing for revolutionary contributors, ethnic minority families, those who are in areas often affected by natural disasters, families with disadvantaged conditions and those in extremely disadvantaged areas. Each family will be given a house of a minimum area of 24 square meters. The houses are being built with support from the State with VND 6-7 million each, plus help from the community and contributions from families. Families are allowed to borrow loans from the Bank for Social Policies for the housing at a maximum amount of VND 8 million each at the interest rate of 3% per year with preferential policies in paying debt. (cpv.org.vn April 20)
