Abstract
Since the end of the 1990s, Hanoi City has instituted a program of urban upgrading. This program aims at improving the living conditions of residents who are living in dilapidated public housing areas (PHAs) which were constructed forty years ago. However, the upgrading implementations are very slow and are challenged by various obstacles, difficulties, and problems. This study is expected to provide opinions to help policy makers in reviewing upgrading mechanisms and policies in connection with upgrading plans and designs. Through findings from interviews with a total of 120 households in the Kim Lien and Giang Vo PHAs, the authors found that: (i) the majority of residents are positive in support of upgrading projects; (ii) most residents want to have resettlement flats at the same location; (iii) most residents prefer to buy flats rather than to rent them when the upgrading project is completed; (iv) a relatively high percentage of residents continue to lack official information about upgrading projects. Discussion on upgrading projects, measures and solutions should be made transparent to the public and related residents should be informed about the process. Successful upgrading projects require a high level of consensus by the residents.
