Ha Long relocates houseboat people

Authorities in Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh will move 143 out of 462 houseboats on Ha Long Bay to a new resettlement area on Thursday.

The Ha Long City People's Committee has completed 364 resettlement apartments in a fishing village in Ha Phong Ward, said committee vice-chairman Pham Hong Ha.


Each apartment is between 77.5 to 128sq.m in size, he said, adding that infrastructure such as roads, water supply, irrigation and electricity had been completed.

Resettled workers, many of whom are involved in fishing, will be supported by suitable policies, Ha said. In 2012-13, the committee opened two training courses on aquaculture and net-knitting for 70 people who were moved earlier.

Ha Long City has resolved to relocate all houseboats on Ha Long Bay before June 30 to help tackle worsening pollution in the bay, a world natural heritage site, Ha said.

There are 626 private houseboats in Ha Long Bay, home to more than 2,100 people. Of the 462 households who are registered residents of Ha Long City, 364 will be moved inland under the project.

Of the rest, some already have houses inland, while those who are not registered as city residents will have to move without financial support from the city.