As of November 5th, observations reveal that the apartment building’s hallway has been repurposed for storing belongings. Motorcycles are parked on the ground floor due to the absence of a dedicated parking basement, causing congestion in the passageways. In several stairwell corners, residents still cook using charcoal stoves. Despite the seven-story building being equipped with firefighting equipment, it lacks separate emergency exits.
“This apartment complex has no management board, only a security guard overseeing it. There’s no elevator, and I live on the 6th floor—climbing up and down is exhausting,” sighs Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Hương Giang, who has resided here for over 40 years.
The 71-year-old woman recounts numerous minor fire incidents, where residents had to extinguish the flames themselves, leaving everyone constantly on edge. Upon hearing that the city plans to re-evaluate all Grade C apartments, Mrs. Giang simply hopes for timely renovations, reconstruction, or resettlement arrangements.
Current state of Nguyễn Thiện Thuật Apartment. Photo: ÁI MY
Mrs. Giang’s sentiments echo those of residents in nearby Nguyễn Thiện Thuật Apartment and numerous other complexes.
According to the HCMC Department of Construction, local authorities have proposed re-evaluating 130 apartments (165 blocks) previously graded as Class C during 2016-2017 inspections, as their demolition status remains unclear. Additionally, 56 apartments (58 blocks) require new assessments.
The total inspection budget is VND 32.5 billion, excluding 20 apartments awaiting cost proposals from wards. Recently, the HCMC People’s Committee approved the re-evaluation of 186 old apartments across 223 blocks.
The HCMC People’s Committee has tasked the Department of Finance with allocating inspection funds to ward-level authorities, while the Department of Construction will guide inspection procedures and issue quality assessment conclusions.
City records indicate over 470 pre-1975 apartment buildings. To date, 462 have been inspected: 332 Class B, 114 Class C, and 16 Class D (severely damaged/hazardous). The city has renovated 199 buildings thus far.
For the 16 Class D apartments housing 1,194 households, HCMC has relocated 534 households from 9 buildings. Relocation efforts are ongoing in 3 buildings, with 4 yet to begin.
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Dũng (b. 1964), a lifelong resident of Nguyễn Thiện Thuật Apartment, notes that cracked walls are patched annually, with authorities conducting minor reinforcements as needed.
“If our building is reclassified as Class D, we urge the city to implement policies allowing us to remain in our community,” Mr. Dũng emphasizes.
“Everyone hopes for resettlement here—our livelihoods, schools, and workplaces are all tied to this area,” he adds.
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