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Vietnam's northern port city of Hai Phong is home to 169 apartment blocks that were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Time has taken its toll on the Soviet-style buildings, and most of them have fallen into disrepair.
The city’s Department of Construction is looking at ways to relocate around 3,000 residents and build new apartment buildings.
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Iron “aviaries” attached to old walls are a signature part of old apartments in Vietnam. |
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The extensions were added by the owners to hang the laundry. |
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The old apartments are located mainly in Ngo Quyen District. In the picture is the front wall of a 5-story building on Da Nang Street. |
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Over time, the ceilings of the apartments has been damaged, revealing concrete and steel. |
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The apartment buildings were designed with only one staircase. |
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The balconies are covered by steel cages, and the power supply is suspect. |
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Many apartments are so old that their owners have to tarp to prevent rainwater from leaking into their houses. |
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The buildings were constructed 45-50 years ago, and each flat covers an area of 21-32 square meters. |
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Residents have to utilize outdoor areas such as hallways and staircases to cook. |
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Before a flood hits the city, local authorities evacuate 311 Da Nang Street to the opposite high school. |
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Ngo Minh Tuan, a resident of block 311, said that his 21-square-meters is too small for his extended family with three generations. He has to borrow space on a neighbor’s terrace for his two children to study. |
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Le Thi Chat, 90, one of the first residents of building, said that she is waiting for city authorities to find her a new, safer house. |
Photos by VnExpress/Giang Chinh
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