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Hanoi’s iconic Hoan Kiem Lake is adored by tourists and locals alike, but many surrounding areas are simply too full

Located deep in an alley on Hang Buom street is house No.53, built over 100 years ago. Although severely degraded with many cracks appearing in the rotten walls and stairs, the 3-storey house with dozens of apartments has been the residence for nearly 200 people for many years.

Nguyen Trung Truc, a resident living in an apartment on the first floor said, “The house has signs of dilapidation and the entrance to the house lacks sunlight, so it is dirty and dark. When opening the door, the smell flies straight into the house. Every time it rains, the house and the yard are wet.”

Truc’s family and the households who live here all want to have a new spacious and cleaner place, but what they worry about most is how to earn a living after moving, when their current income mainly depends on street trading in the Old Quarter.

With a history of more than 1,000 years, the area is both an administrative and commercial centre and a place with great historical value, architecture, and culture. The 36 traditional craft streets represent business activities, attracting not only people in Hanoi but also people in the surrounding areas to come here for settlement.

Over the years, the rapid population growth has narrowed the land fund in the Old Quarter, creating great pressure on infrastructure, causing cramped and messy conditions which, in turn, affects the urban appearance and affection of international tourists to Hanoi, and is also related to damage caused to many historical monuments.

Therefore, the relocation of the population in the Old Quarter area is considered a top priority of Hanoi’s administration in urban reconstruction and conservation of cultural heritage.

According to the urban planning, 215,000 residents in Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung will be relocated by the end of the decade. The land fund released from relocation will be used to restore monuments, build transport systems, reconstruct urban areas, and add additional public works such as parks, squares, and car parks.

Higher quality of life

According to data from the 2019 Population and Housing Census, the population density in Hoan Kiem district stood at around 39,800 people per kilometre, 137 times higher than the national population density. The Old Quarter alone now boasts about 4,300 houses. On average, about 3-4 families can live together in one house. There are some houses with dozens of families, for which the living area amounts to only 0.5-1.8 square metre per person.

Of the nearly 1,000 homes with a life expectancy of less than 100 years, 63 per cent are in degradation, 12 per cent are in danger, and 5 per cent are polluted.

Poor and unsafe living conditions are the reason for a number of accidents, ranging from daily inconveniences to house collapses. With such high population density in a cramped area, relocation is the first solution to reduce the pressure on the inner city.

“People here say they are very unhappy because their current accommodation is degraded and potentially dangerous so they cannot live there for long. If a new place can ensure essential services and solve the livelihood problem, we will be ready to move,” said Nguyen Manh Cuong, a resident in Cua Nam ward of Hoan Kiem district.

Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of Hoan Kiem People’s Committee said the plan to lower the population in the four districts from the current 887,000 to 672,000 by 2030 remains associated with similar projects the district has implemented over the years. In addition to regulations on the relocated people, the city also plans to prepare resettlement areas for residents.

“The zoning planning aims to offer the best conditions for people. I am also willing to move if I am in the clearance area. Moving to a new place, people will have better living conditions and leave land for the city to re-plan for a more beautiful capital,” Long said.

Preserving heritage

In addition to improving the urban living environment, one of the plan’s goals is to develop culture and preserve heritage sites and monuments of the Old Quarter. The most visible examples of the pressure created by the high population density are the many monuments, temples, and pagodas in the area that are spoiled by restaurants and parking lots. There are even relics being requisitioned to function as stands for goods.

For example, Vinh Tru Pagoda on Hang Luoc street is recognised as a famous cultural destination in the Old Quarter. For many years its facade has often been occupied by surrounding shops as a parking place, which not only affects tourists but also lessens the majesty of such ancient architecture.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luong Tu Quyen from the Faculty of Urban and Rural Planning of Hanoi Architectural University, the rapid and disturbing transformation of monuments on central streets will become increasingly difficult to control.

Regardless of the purpose, Quyen says, population relocation is required in inner-city planning to preserve and improve the quality of life, while promoting traditional values in the Old Quarter. However, population relocation also needs to ensure the preservation of long-term habits and livelihoods for people, he added.

These plans are nothing new. Over 20 years ago the city implemented a plan to rearrange the old town and had a policy of relocating universities, hospitals, head offices of ministries, and more from the historic inner-city area. Yet today it still has not found a solution to the problem of improving long-term livelihoods.

Meanwhile, thousands of households in the Old Quarter mainly depend on business and retail trading activities, leading to disagreements within the people living here. The people who are determined to stick around are mostly households close to the roads. Others that voluntarily relocate are residents living in old deteriorated houses, with an area of less than 5sq.m per person.

Economic and cultural experts all say that relocation on such scale would not be easy because it relates to thousands of households of many generations, especially families who have lived for many generations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The key to a successful relocation, they say, could be to solve the problem of interests between people and heritage conservation.

Violence against women in Vietnam remains very much hidden and more actions must be taken to change the situation.

As many as 63% of Vietnamese married women have experienced one or more forms of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence and controlling behaviors by their husbands in their lifetime, according to a newly-released study.

As many as 63% of Vietnamese married women suffer at least one kind of violence in their lifetime

It means that nearly two in three married women in Vietnam have suffered at least one kind of domestic violence, according to a study that is backed technically and financially by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

This is the second study conducted in Vietnam, making it the only country in the world so far making a study that specifically uses cross-culturally validated methodology developed by the World Health Organization.

Managed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in collaboration with the General Statistics Office (GSO), this study enables a better understanding of what has changed since the first study in 2010, as well as what has not, and what needs to be in place for strengthening gender equality and ending gender-based violence in Vietnam.

The 2019 study has three parts: a quantitative survey, conducted by GSO; a qualitative study by the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP); and an economic costing of violence by international experts commissioned by UNFPA.

Nearly 6,000 women aged 15 to 64 were interviewed, with the results showing that most of the violence against women in Vietnam is perpetrated by their husbands or partners.

The study also shows that with the exception of sexual violence, the prevalence of different types of violence against women, perpetrated by husbands, was slightly lower in 2019 than in 2010, and positive change may be happening among younger women.

In addition, the report estimated that violence against women cost Vietnam an estimated 1.8% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018.

Key findings from the 2019 study

• In Vietnam, women were more likely to be abused by their husbands than by any other perpetrators.

• Nearly one in ten or 9% women experienced non-partner sexual violence since age 15. Almost all of this was perpetrated by males who were not family members (e.g. a male stranger, friend or acquaintance; a recent acquaintance; or someone at work).

• Violence against women remains very much hidden. Half of women who experienced violence by husbands had never told anyone. Almost all women (90.4%) who experienced physical and/or sexual violence from husbands did not seek any help from formal service providers.

• Children are also victims when living in violent environments. Of the women who experienced physical violence by a husband, 61.4% disclosed that their children witnessed or otherwise overheard the violence. Women who experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their husbands were more likely to say their children (5-12 years) had behavioral problems.

• Violence against women has a wide range of health impacts or consequences. One in four women (23.3%) who were physically and/or sexually abused by their husbands had physical injuries. Pregnant women are also at risk of violence from their husbands.

• Violence is a learned behavior. Women victims of violence are more likely to have a husband whose mother was beaten or who was himself beaten as a child.

Remarks on the national study

Nguyen Thi Ha, Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) at the event on July 14. Photo: Nhandan

MOLISA’s Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha said after nearly ten years since the first survey, the results show both positive changes and shortcomings.

The percentage of women suffering from these forms of violence has decreased slightly and positive change is clearly seen among young women who did not endure and showed their strength in fighting against violence, and women who have higher education are less likely to experience violence.

Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, at the event. Photo: UNFPA

“Ending violence against women and girls is one of the three transformative results that UNFPA has pledged to achieve worldwide,” said Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam.

“In Vietnam, UNFPA has worked alongside the Government and stakeholders for more than a decade towards ending violence against women. Today, we have even more evidence to spur us to even greater action, and I call on everyone to join forces to eliminate this violence. Without addressing this, Vietnam quite simply cannot achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, and ensure no one is left behind,” she added.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie. Photo: Embassy of Australia in Hanoi

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie said “Australia is deeply committed to ending gender-based violence.” “We have supported this study because it leads us all to acknowledge just how many lives are affected by violence, coercive control and harassment. Each piece of data in this report represents the experience of a Vietnamese woman or girl, whether in their home, at work or in a public place. This report means that we hear them, we believe them, and we need to act.”

At the launch of the results, the government of Vietnam, government of Australia, and UNFPA all called for ever more urgent action to end violence against women.

“No matter where violence happens, in what forms, or who it affects, it must be stopped,” concluded UNFPA Representative Naomi Kitahara. “Together, we should work to create a world where both women and men, and girls and boys, can enjoy a life free from violence. We commend Vietnam for its commitment to achieving this vision.”

Hai, who is also Chairman of the NA’s Finance and Budget Committee and a member of the National Election Council (NEC), asked the province to continue its communications efforts, particularly in remote and ethnic minority-inhabited areas.

Priority should be given to increasing IT application and training personnel for the task, intensifying inspections, and encouraging people to vote, he added.

Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Huy Tuan said that as of April 12, Yen Bai had organised a total of 1,306 conferences to collect feedback from constituents on candidates for the elections in their constituencies.

Also head of the provincial election committee, Tuan said Yen Bai has nearly 600,000 constituents.

The province has held its third political consultative conference, agreeing on a list of eight and 97 candidates for election as deputies to the 15th NA and members of all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026, respectively.

Source: VNA

Q2 Thao Dien will be put into operation this April

Developed by Frasers Property Vietnam in partnership with An Duong Thao Dien Real Estate Trade JSC, Q2 Thao Dien is developed under the unique “Live – Work – Enjoy” concept with a variety of products including apartments, villas, townhouses, commercial shops, and office building, offering a diverse range of options for residents and investors.

According to Truong An Duong, general manager of residential, Frasers Property Vietnam, Q2 Thao Dien meets the requirements for an ideal living space, forming a very distinctive highlight in comparison to other projects in the market.

“We are unified by the group’s shared purpose – ‘Inspiring Experiences, Creating Places for Good’, we wish to make Q2 Thao Dien to be an iconic project, a dynamic and trending new destination where residents can experience a convenient lifestyle – shopping, entertainment and work, all in one place,” Duong stressed.

Inspiring experiences in enjoying life and working space

With the dedication of an experienced international real estate developer, the project is built on schedule to the most rigorous standards.

Up to now, all apartments, office and commercial areas are completed and ready to welcome owners and businesses to move in.

In particularly, project amenities are developed with a focus on every single detail, granting future owners the opportunity to enjoy the best experiences for years to come.

At Q2 Thao Dien, the luxury apartments present open views of the Saigon River with classy amenities such as swimming pool, jacuzzi, a floating gym, hanging gardens, an outdoor barbecue area, and more.

Floating gym at Q2 Thao Dien

Adjacent to the apartment complex, just a few steps away is the premium and stylish [email protected] office tower.

The 32-storey building boasts a modern design with open space, high ceilings, and gorgeous river views. This architecture gives tenants to create a unique and inspiring duplex workspace design.

The special amenities area, Business Centre, is located on the 6th floor, designed with a sophisticated urban style that draws a visually impactful impression through a combination of neutral liberal colours with natural environmentally friendly materials.

Additionally, [email protected] is fully equipped in meeting and event rooms, training/education areas, coffee space, and professional management services. With numerous outstanding appeals, [email protected] meets the demands of an ideal working space for businesses, especially, a trend of workspace decentralisation to move from the central business districts to nearby dynamic areas.

[email protected], ideal office space in Ho Chi Minh City

The podium of the residential building is dedicated three floors of retail space forming the modern and trendy Q2Terrace.

In keeping class and standards to the overall project, a few selected tenants have been invited. Famous brands include Annam Gourmet Market, Dinh Phong – The Butcher & Seafood, Wayne’s Coffee, Peekaboo Café, and Beer Studio, which are all on board to serve residents as soon as they move in. The Q2Terrace will also be a place to dine, meet, and shop for professionals working at the [email protected]

Q2 Thao Dien, moreover, has the advantage of being located in a high-class residential area of Thao Dien ward, with three street frontages to Vo Truong Toan, Street No.9, and Street No.10 of District 2, a newly-developed district of Ho Chi Minh City.

The project is just 500m away from An Phu subway station and nearby to high-end amenities like luxury restaurants, shopping malls, supermarkets, hospitals, international schools, and more.

International-standard developer

Frasers Property is a multi-national developer-owner-operator of real estate products and services across five asset classes, namely, residential, retail, commercial and business parks, industrial and logistics, as well as hospitality in over 70 cities and 20 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange and headquartered in Singapore, the group has total assets of approximately Singaporean $38.7 billion as of September 30, 2020.

The group is also the sponsor of two real estate investment trusts (REITs) and one stapled trust listed on the Singapore Exchange.

Frasers Property has been in Vietnam for over 20 years, its presence includes Melinh Point, a Grade A boutique office building in District 1; and Q2 Thao Dien, a luxury mixed-use development in District 2. Frasers Property’s hospitality business also has a presence in Vietnam, with Fraser Suites Hanoi and Capri by Fraser.

Hanoi (VNA) – A workshop on opportunities, challenges and solutions to promote the participation of people with disabilities in politics was held in Hanoi on April 15.

Co-organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and the Centre for Education Promotion and Empowerment of Women ( CEPEW ), the event aimed at enhancing the right to political engagement of people with disabilities in Vietnam where is home to more than 6 million disabled persons.

Speaking at the workshop, Diana Torres , UNDP Assistant Resident Representative in Vietnam, said there will be a political gap between non-disabled and disabled people unless the community joins hands to promote equality and empower people with disabilities on political platforms.

Without their voices in agencies under the National Assembly and People’s Councils, the people with disabilities will find it difficult to really integrate into society, she added.

Le Ngoc Hoan, a member of the Blind Association of Lang Son province, who is a self-nominated candidate for the election of deputies to the 15th  National Assembly, said people with disabilities need representative voices in the law-making body so that their legitimate aspirations and needs will be heard.

According to a quick assessment of the group’s readiness for political involvement as candidates in the elections of deputies to the National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils, 92 percent of people surveyed hoped to have disabled deputies and 63 percent said they are ready for self-nomination to the elections in the next five years.

The assessment, jointly conducted by the UNDP Vietnam and the Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, was released as part of the workshop.

It showed three challenges facing the group in elections – feeling unconfident in the possibility of success, lacking knowledge on self-nomination and campaigning, and distrusting that the community will vote for people with disabilities.

Jan Wilhelm Grythe, Chargé d’affaires at the Norwegian Embassy, said the Norwegian Government is willing to share information on the political participation process of Tove Linnea Brandvik, a physically disabled Norwegian who served as deputy to the parliament for two terms from 2005 to 2013.

Norway is also willing to organise conversations to inspire Vietnamese people with disabilities, said the diplomat./.

VNA