Hanoi has witnessed many house collapses in the city centre. In 2010, a five-floor house on Hang Ma Street suddenly fell down. In 2018, a similar incident happened at a house on Cua Bac Street, killing two. Most recently, a two-floor house on Hang Bong Street also collapsed on July 2.
The house on Hang Bong Street collapses on July 2
According to the Vietnam Construction Association, local authorities need to co-operate with experts to assess the houses in order to warn their owners, managers and users of possible potential dangers. From that, they can have suitable plans to repair and restore and as well as assist people in relocation.
In cases where house owners can’t afford the repairs, they need to seek local authority support. The worst cases should be prioritized for restoration.
A representative from the association suggested that constructions in the Old Quarter have to have their environmental impact report before being licensed.
Meanwhile, the municipal people’s committee claimed that the inspection on constructions was still conducted annually, focusing on apartment buildings built before 1994, old villas, offices and public works which are older than 60 years.