The Construction Ministry has asked the Government to promulgate policies on building storm-resistant houses for more than 86,000 households in 20 coastal provinces of the north and the central regions. This is part of a three-year project to support building of storm-resistant houses for poor families in the northern and central coastal provinces from the Quang Ninh to BaRia-Vung Tau provinces. It is based on survey and evaluation results on the housing situation in areas prone to storms and tropical low pressure phenomena. Poor and near-poor households which do not have houses or have been living in make-shift houses would be aided for building houses with a minimum area of 24square meters and having firm foundations, frames, walls and roofs. The ministry estimated that it would need around VND48 million or $2,250 for constructing a 24-square meter storm-resistant house. The funds would come from the State Budget and preferential loans, or will be mobilized from poor families or the community. One-third of the construction cost will be borne by the Government. Those living in disadvantaged areas would receive additional support of VND3 million or $140 from the State Budget. A maximum loan of VND16 million or $760 at preferential interest rates would be provided to those who want to build new houses, and VND8 million or $380 to those who want to repair their houses. (Vietnam News Jun 24)
