Dong Nai to develop riverside resettlement urban areas

Guided by the principle that people are central to development, Dong Nai province has planned and begun implementing a riverside resettlement project along the Dong Nai River, pledging that relocated residents will be provided with housing that matches or surpasses their former living conditions.

Residents of Phuoc Tan Ward draw lots to determine resettlement plots under a more than 49-hectare resettlement project in Phuoc Tan Ward. Photo: Hoang Loc

The project is designed to meet urgent resettlement needs while supporting broader urban restructuring and reinforcing the city’s long-term social welfare framework.

An eco-urban resettlement area for people affected by land acquisition

The infrastructure development project for a resettlement area covering more than 49 hectares in Phuoc Tan Ward, Dong Nai province, was approved by the provincial People’s Council under Resolution No. 12/2023/NQ-HDND dated July 14, 2023. Classified as an urgent project, it aims to address resettlement needs related to Phase 1 of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway, which is nearing completion, as well as other ongoing construction projects across the province. Groundbreaking took place in late December 2025.

Le Thanh Dien, Deputy Director of the provincial Land Development Center, the project’s investor, stated that the development features a fully integrated technical infrastructure system, consistent with the former Bien Hoa City master plan and surrounding projects already underway. He noted that the project is expected to create new development space and contribute to building a modern, sustainable urban system to support the province’s long-term socio-economic development goals.

The project encompasses investments in a comprehensive range of technical infrastructure, including internal roads, land leveling, water and power supply, stormwater drainage, wastewater systems, telecommunications, and a centralized wastewater treatment plant. Total investment exceeds 2.8 trillion dong, with residential development to be implemented in two phases. Phase one will provide more than 1,000 resettlement land plots, while the next phase will include the construction of four high-rise residential buildings to accommodate residents. According to the schedule, core infrastructure is expected to be substantially completed and resettlement plots handed over by September 2026, with full project completion targeted for 2028.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on December 19, 2025, Ho Van Nam, member of the provincial Party Standing Committee and Chair of the Tran Bien Ward People’s Council, representing provincial leadership, stated that this is a critically important and time-sensitive project in support of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway and to ensure housing for residents affected by land clearance in neighboring wards. More importantly, the project aims to create a safe, civilized, and sustainable living environment, gradually forming a stable residential community for long-term development.

“This resettlement project clearly reflects a people-centred approach and represents an important step in the urban development strategy, helping to safeguard social welfare and lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of the province’s key projects in the coming period,” Ho Van Nam stressed.

At the year-end 2025 session of the provincial People’s Council, Nguyen Van Ut, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, stated that to ensure housing for residents whose land is reclaimed for socio-economic development projects and national defence and security purposes, Dong Nai will plan and invest in resettlement areas built in the style of urban zones. These resettlement areas must be situated in convenient locations with well-connected transportation infrastructure and comprehensive public amenities. This approach not only ensures the quality of life for affected residents but also facilitates land clearance for infrastructure projects, creating room for further local development.

Ensuring project progress and construction quality

Resettlement is a humane policy of the Party and the State aimed at stabilizing livelihoods and improving the quality of life for people affected by land acquisition. For such projects to be truly effective, in addition to meeting progress and quality requirements, a strong public consensus among residents in the project area is essential.

Thieu Thi Minh Huong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Phuoc Tan Ward People’s Committee, said that local authorities have completed key steps in the compensation and site clearance process, including preparing and publishing the land recovery plan, issuing land recovery notices, and conducting land inventories. The ward has approved eight rounds of compensation for 259 households across 356 land plots, covering a total of nearly 45 hectares. The support plan is scheduled to be publicly posted for approval in January 2026, with resettlement eligibility assessments for qualified residents to be completed by February. The local government expects the project to stay on schedule and meet quality standards, enabling residents to secure housing and resume stable lives.

At the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Le Minh Hai, Deputy Director of Dai Hai Engineering Co., Ltd. and representative of the contractor consortium, reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to carrying out construction in strict accordance with the approved design, ensuring quality, aesthetics, and adherence to the timeline. He noted that the consortium has mobilized adequate personnel, equipment, and appropriate technology while fully complying with labor safety and environmental regulations.

“We are determined not to trade quality for speed. Every component must meet the highest standards of engineering, aesthetics, safety, and environmental protection, making this a model resettlement area for the province,” Le Minh Hai emphasized.

On behalf of the project owner, the provincial Land Development Center has pledged to actively coordinate with relevant departments and local authorities to promptly resolve any arising difficulties or obstacles. The center is committed to maintaining security and environmental hygiene throughout the construction process, while also strengthening communication and advocacy efforts to build a strong public consensus.

Pham Van Lai, a resident of Huong Phuoc neighborhood in Phuoc Tan Ward and a beneficiary of the resettlement project, shared that his greatest hope is for the resettlement area to be completed soon so that his family can settle down and his children can have better conditions for study and daily life. He also expressed hope that the area will quickly become a livable urban neighborhood with full infrastructure and services, encouraging long-term community attachment.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Tam Binh, Minho