Resettlement area sought for residents of ancient village
An old house of Ha Van The in ancient Duong Lam Village in Son Tay Town. The village’s residents have called authorities to implement resettlement plans soon and allow buildings not listed as ancient houses to be repaired in line with regulations. – VNA/VNS Photo Nhat Anh
HA NOI (VNS)— It’s a common sight in Duong Lam to see three or four generations sharing a deteriorated 60-70sq.m house.
Since this ancient village, about 50km from the centre of Ha Noi, was recognised as a national relic in 2005, it has had to obey the heritage law – which prohibits repairs and enlargements. But while the recognition also included a plan to build resettlement areas for residents, these have yet to materialise, head of the village management board Pham Hung Son told the Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) radio.
After 78 village households petitioned local authorities for help, Chairman of Ha Noi People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao asked relevant agencies to complete preservation and resettlement plans and submit them to the municipal People’s Committee for approval next month.
Thao admitted that management and preservation of the ancient village had been lacking, blaming the situation on limited investment and failure to co-operate by relevant agencies.
On Wednesday the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and People’s Committee of Son Tay town held a dialogue with village residents discussing their concerns.
The local people proposed authorities implement resettlement plans soon and allow buildings not listed as ancient houses to be repaired in line with current regulations.
Vice Chairman of Son Tay town’s People’s Committee Nguyen Lam Dien said the town was finalising procedures to build a 10ha resettlement area. — VNS