Hoang Thi Chien, 63, has lived in Xom Lung for decades. With the ground level here 0.7-1 meter lower than surrounding areas, the entire hamlet floods after just 10-15 minutes of heavy rain. On rainy days, she constantly watches her grandchildren, keeping them indoors to prevent them from mistaking the flooded streets for ponds. Inside her corrugated iron-roofed house, wooden planks are always kept ready to elevate belongings when water rushes in.

Ms. Chien’s house is dilapidated, with walls crumbling due to flooding, but cannot be rebuilt or repaired. Photo: Le Tan

Forty households in Xom Lung share the same predicament as Ms. Chien. According to the Hung Dao Ward People's Committee, in 2003, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued a decision to reclaim land in this area for two projects: Anh Dung III residential area and the South Lach Tray River residential area. Construction and Building Materials Company No. 5 Limited Liability One Member Company and Construction Joint Stock Company No. 5 were designated as the investors.

The 12,400 square meter area of Xom Lung falls within both projects. Due to unresolved compensation agreements with residents, land clearance for the area has been prolonged. In 2014, Construction and Building Materials Company No. 5 Limited Liability One Member Company reported to the Hai Phong City People's Committee that it lacked sufficient funds to continue its project.

Because their homes are part of a suspended project, residents have not been granted land use rights certificates and are prohibited from building or repairing their houses, even as they deteriorate. "The hamlet also lacks clean water; we had to pay for our own pipelines and negotiate with the water supply company," shared Vu Huu Giang, who has lived in Xom Lung since the 1960s.

The affected households have repeatedly petitioned authorities, requesting land use rights and infrastructure investment to stabilize their lives.

Xom Lung has been part of a suspended project for 22 years. Photo: Le Tan

In 2019, the Hai Phong City People's Committee announced a planning adjustment for the two projects to address the difficulties faced by Xom Lung residents. According to the announcement, residents living outside the planned 35-meter road (Lach Tray - Ho Dong road) project area would be permitted to repair and build homes according to regulations. Those within the road’s planned footprint were required to maintain their existing structures but would also be allowed to repair and build homes.

However, six years have passed, and residents still do not know the exact boundaries of the road or when its construction will begin.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by Xom Lung residents, Pham Van Minh, Chairman of the Hung Dao Ward People's Committee, stated that authorities are determined to resolve the issue. Immediately, the ward has completed a temporary drainage system to mitigate flooding and has demarcated the 35-meter road’s planning boundaries. They are also reviewing households inside and outside the project limits to report to the city.

For the long term, Mr. Minh added that he would propose to the city for consideration and resolution.

Le Tan