REALITIES IN COMPENSATION AND SITE CLEARANCE FOR STATE-RECOVERED LAND AT SELECTED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THƯỜNG TÍN DISTRICT, HANOI CITY

REALITIES IN COMPENSATION AND SITE CLEARANCE FOR STATE-RECOVERED LAND AT SELECTED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THƯỜNG TÍN DISTRICT, HANOI CITY

REALITIES IN COMPENSATION AND SITE CLEARANCE FOR STATE-RECOVERED LAND AT SELECTED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THƯỜNG TÍN DISTRICT, HANOI CITY

REALITIES IN COMPENSATION AND SITE CLEARANCE FOR STATE-RECOVERED LAND AT SELECTED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THƯỜNG TÍN DISTRICT, HANOI CITY

Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh

Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment

Lê Phú Cường

Postgraduate Student, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment

Tạ Tuyết Thái

Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi

Abstract:

The study evaluates the realities and proposes solutions to enhance the effectiveness of compensation and site clearance (CSC) at transportation projects in Thường Tín District. The results show: From 2019 to 2021, there were 27 projects with 17.02 hectares of recovered land, and a total compensation of 104.89 billion VND. Two projects under study recovered approximately 7.81 hectares with a compensation of about 36.56 billion VND. A survey of 100 affected households and individuals (AHIs) revealed that the majority rated the compensation and CSC at the two projects as compliant with regulations, cost-effective, and fair; ensuring transparency, fairness, and objectivity (average scores ranging from 3.29 to 4.41). However, some AHIs disagreed with the compensation rates.

Keywords: Land management; compensation; site clearance; transportation projects; Thường Tín District.

I. INTRODUCTION

Land recovery, compensation, and site clearance (CSC) are crucial components in the state management of land. The state recovers land when necessary to implement socio-economic development projects for national and public interests, aiming to leverage land resources, enhance land use efficiency, and develop socio-economic infrastructure towards modernization. The land recovery, compensation, and CSC processes, particularly for transportation projects, have positively contributed to socio-economic development, industrialization, and modernization of the country in recent years. However, practical implementation has faced certain difficulties affecting the progress and duration of construction projects, impacting residents’ lives.

Thường Tín is a district located at the southern gateway of Hanoi city, approximately 18km from the city center. The district’s total natural area is 13,012.94 hectares, including 7,849.89 hectares of agricultural land, 5,163.05 hectares of non-agricultural land, and 5.19 hectares of unused land. Currently, the ratio of transportation area to urban land area is relatively low (8.5%), significantly affecting the district’s socio-economic development.

From 2019 to 2021, Thường Tín district carried out 27 CSC projects in the transportation sector with a total area of 17.07 hectares. Among these, 57.8% of the projects completed the documentation submitted to the city for land allocation, implemented technical infrastructure construction, or were undergoing CSC; 26.3% of the projects submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) for demarcation orders for CSC; 15.5% of the projects organized public meetings, conducted surveys, and prepared compensation and support plans.

II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  1. Secondary Data Collection Method

Secondary data includes inheriting and collecting documents, data, specialized reports, statistical results, land inventories, etc., from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Land Fund Development Center of Thường Tín district.

  1. Research Site Selection Method

Two out of 27 transportation projects implemented during 2019 – 2021 were selected. These two projects use different funding sources, involve a large area of recovered land, and affect the implementation of many other projects. (i) Project 1: Lê Công Hành Road Project; (ii) Project 2: Road construction project connecting Bắc Thường Tín industrial zone with Provincial Road 427.

  1. Primary Data Collection Method

Survey of 30 officers related to CSC (10 questionnaires from the Compensation and Resettlement Council at the 02 research projects; 05 questionnaires from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment; 05 questionnaires from the Land Fund Development Center; 10 questionnaires from the communes with land recovered in the 02 projects (Văn Phú, Văn Bình for project 1; Liên Phương, Ninh Sở, and Vân Tảo for project 2).

Household and individual survey: The number of survey questionnaires n for each project is determined by the formula: n=N/(1+N.e²) [1]. Where N is the total number of affected households, individuals, and organizations of each project (project 1: 58; project 2: 171).

e – standard error. With e = 10% (equivalent to 90% confidence level of the research results), the minimum number of survey questionnaires for project 1 is calculated to be 37; for project 2, it is 63 questionnaires.

We conducted a total of 100 survey questionnaires, with project 1: 37 questionnaires; project 2: 63 questionnaires, using the random sampling method with pre-prepared questionnaires.

  1. Data Analysis and Processing Method

The collected data and documents were summarized and analyzed using Excel software. The realities of land recovery, compensation, and site clearance (CSC) at the two transportation projects in Thường Tín district were evaluated by summarizing data on land recovery, compensation for land and assets on the land, and analyzing survey results of affected individuals regarding the implementation of compensation and support (CS) through the following criteria: (1) policy implementation; (2) policy suitability.

Surveying the opinions of affected individuals on the implementation of CS was conducted using criteria specified in tables 6, 7, 8, 9. The Likert scale [2, 3] was used to evaluate the CS process. The five levels were: very reasonable/very good/much better, corresponding to 5 points; reasonable/good/better: 4 points; normal/average/same as before: 3 points; less reasonable/poor/worse: 2 points; very unreasonable/very poor/much worse: 1 point.

The overall evaluation index was calculated as the average score of the number of respondents and the coefficient of each level applied. The general evaluation scale was: Very high/very good: > 4.20; High/good: 3.40 – 4.19; Average: 2.60 – 3.39; Low/poor: 1.80 – 2.59; Very low/very poor: < 1.80.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

  1. Current Status of Land Recovery and Site Clearance in the Transportation Sector in Thường Tín District

1.1. The results of land recovery and CSC in Thường Tín District during the period 2019 – 2021 are shown in Table 1:

Table 1. Results of Land Recovery and CSC in the Transportation Sector during 2019 – 2021 in Thường Tín District

No.

Indicators

Unit

Year

Total

2019

2020

2021

1

Number of CSC projects

Project

3

13

11

27

1.1

Projects with disbursed funds

Project

1

8

7

16

1.2

Approved projects, not disbursed

Project

1

0

3

4

1.3

Projects with CSC plans

Project

1

2

0

3

1.4

Projects with public meetings and surveys

Project

0

3

1

4

2

Recovered area

m2

66,429.5

59,912.3

44,376.6

170,718.4

2.1

Projects with recovered area

m2

110.0

34,912.0

31,652.0

66,674.0

2.2

Approved projects, not recovered

m2

62,410.4

0.0

2,229.9

64,640.3

2.3

Projects with CSC plans

m2

3,909.1

5,687.0

0.0

9,596.1

2.4

Projects with public meetings and surveys

m2

0.0

19,313.3

10,494.7

29,808.0

3

Number of affected households

Household

147

406

406

959

3.1

Projects with recovered area

Household

3

267

292

562

3.2

Approved projects, not recovered

Household

89

0

63

152

3.3

Projects with CSC plans

Household

55

18

0

73

3.4

Projects with public meetings and surveys

Household

0

121

51

172

4

Disbursed funds

Billion VND

27.26

29.3

48.33

104.89

4.1

Projects with recovered area

Billion VND

2.46

26.82

18.29

47.57

4.2

Approved projects, not recovered

Billion VND

21.24

0

30.04

51.28

4.3

Projects with CSC plans

Billion VND

3.56

2.48

0

6.04

4.4

Projects with public meetings and surveys

Billion VND

0

0

0

0

Source: Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021)

During the research period, land recovery and site clearance in the transportation sector included 27 projects. The number of projects in 2020 and 2021 significantly increased compared to 2019, but the difference in recovered land area was not substantial. The total recovered area in these transportation projects during this period was 170,718.4 m², affecting 959 households and with a total compensation amount of 104.89 billion VND.

Despite the agreement of local authorities and residents during the implementation process, and the achievements in land recovery and site clearance in Thường Tín district, there remain challenges such as verifying land origins, encroachment and disputes, illegal leasing in villages, delays in site clearance, and low compensation rates.

1.2. Công tác thu hồi đất, giải phóng mặt bằng tại 02 Project giao thông trên địa bàn huyện

1.2.1. Giới thiệu khái quát về 02 Project nghiên cứu

Trong số các Project thu hồi đất, GPMB trong lĩnh vực giao thông trên địa bàn huyện giai đoạn 2019 – 2021, lựa chọn 02 Project có diện tích thu hồi lớn, nhiều loại đất thu hồi và sử dụng nguồn vốn đầu tư khác nhau. Cụ thể thông tin về 02 Project được thể hiện trong Bảng 2.

Table 2. Overview of the Two Research Projects

No.

Criteria

Project 1

Project 2

1

Approval Decision

Decision No. 2228/QĐ-UBND dated 09/10/2018 of the Hanoi People’s Committee

Decision No. 2338/QĐ-UBND dated 16/5/2018 of the Hanoi People’s Committee

2

Investor

Thường Tín District People’s Committee

Management Board of Transportation Construction Investment Projects, Hanoi

3

Project Funding Source

District Budget

City Budget

4

Project Scale

Total recovered area: 5,396.2 m²

Total recovered area: 71,415.7 m²

5

Number of Affected Households and Organizations

56 households with agricultural land recovered and 02 organizations

169 households (including 154 with agricultural land recovered; 15 with residential land recovered) and 03 organizations

Source: Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021)

1.2.2. Land Recovery, Compensation, and Site Clearance

  1. Identifying Eligible Entities and Compensation Conditions

In recent years, land recovery, compensation, and CSC have been conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article 69 of the 2013 Law on Land. The task of compensation and CSC has been assigned to the Compensation, Support, and Resettlement Council.

By applying current regulations, based on the origin of land of the affected households and individuals (AHIs), relevant legal documents, and cadastral records, the eligible entities for compensation in the two projects are identified as follows: (i) Project 1 includes 56 households with agricultural land and 02 organizations with recovered land; (ii) Project 2 includes 154 households with agricultural land, 15 households with residential land partially recovered, and 03 organizations. The households are entitled to compensation for agricultural land, residential land, construction works, and crops on the land.

  1. Land Recovery and Compensation

Land compensation for Project 1 was carried out according to Decision No. 1223/QĐ-UBND dated 15/3/2019 of the Hanoi People’s Committee, and for Project 2 according to Decision No. 1223/QĐ-UBND dated 15/3/2019 of the Hanoi People’s Committee. The results of land recovery and compensation are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Results of Land Recovery and Compensation at the Two Research Projects

No.

Content

Unit

Project 1

Project 2

Total

1

Total recovered area

m2

5,396.2

72,415.7

77,811.7

1.1

Agricultural land allocated to AHIs

m2

4,261.0

25,689.1

29,950.1

1.2

Land managed by the commune People’s Committee

m2

1,135.0

45,662.50

46,797.5

Non-agricultural land

m2

295.3

23,921.97

24,217.27

Agricultural land

m2

839.7

21,740.53

22,580.23

1.3

Residential land

m2

 

1,064.10

1,064.10

2

Number of affected households

Households

56

169

225

3

Number of affected organizations

Organizations

2

3

5

4

Compensation cost for land

Million VND

615,100.5

8,426,044.64

9,041,145.14

4.1

Agricultural land

 

615,100.5

6,559,821.45

7,174,921.95

 

Households and individuals

 

575,235.0

3,468,028.5

4,043,263.5

 

Agricultural land managed by the commune People’s Committee

 

39,865.5

3,091,792.95

3,131,658.45

4.2

Non-agricultural land managed by the commune People’s Committee

 

0

0

0

4.3

Residential land

 

 

1,866,223. 19

1,866,223. 19

Source: Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021)

Thus, the total recovered area and compensation for land recovery and CSC at the two projects were 77,811.7 m², with Project 1 accounting for 5,396.2 m², and Project 2 for 72,415.7 m². The recovery included 29,950.1 m² of agricultural land allocated to AHIs; 46,797 m² of land managed by the commune People’s Committee (including 24,217.27 m² of non-agricultural land and 22,580.23 m² of agricultural land), and 1,064.1 m² of residential land in Project 2.

The total number of affected households was 56 in Project 1 and 169 in Project 2, with 2 organizations affected in Project 1 and 3 in Project 2. The total land compensation cost for the two projects was 9,041,145.14 million VND, including 7,174,921.95 million VND for agricultural land and 1,866,223.19 million VND for residential land.

  1. Compensation and Support for Assets, Structures, and Crops on the Land at the Two Projects

Based on Notification No. 9062/STC-BG dated 27/12/2018; Notification No. 8785/TB-STC; Notification No. 8545/TB-STC dated 26/12/2020; Notification No. 8369/TB-STC dated 29/12/2021. The results of compensation and support for assets on the land at the two research projects are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Results of Compensation and Support for Assets, Structures, and Crops on the Land at the Two Projects

No.

Indicators

Unit

Project 1

Project 2

Total

1

Trees and crops on the land

Million VND

29,827.0

210,474.27

240,301.27

2

Assets, structures

Million VND

0

6,177,930.89

6,177,930.89

3

Aquaculture water surface

Million VND

0

200,790.1

200,790.1

 

Total

Million VND

29,827,0

6,589,195.26

6,619,022.26

Source: Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021)

The research results show: compensation and support for assets, structures, and crops on the land with the total compensation amount for the two projects being 6,619,022.26 million VND, with Project 1 at 29,827.0 million VND and Project 2 at 6,589,195.26 million VND. For assets such as trees, crops, and livestock, Project 1 had a total cost of 29,827,000 VND and Project 2 had 210,474.27 million VND. The total compensation cost for assets on the land for Project 1 was 0 VND and for Project 2 was 6,177,930.89 million VND.

1.3. Support Activities

The results of implementing support policies at the two research projects are shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Results of Support Types at the Two Projects

No.

Support Item

Support Funds (Million VND)

Project 1

Project 2

Total

1

Support

2,887,694.0

17,561,758.0

20,449,452.0

1.1

Support for job transition and job creation

2,876,750.0

17,340,142.0

20,216,892.0

1.2

Support for stabilizing living and production conditions

10,944.0

221,616.0

232,560.0

2

Reward for timely site handover

12,208.0

77,067.3

89,275.3

3

Compensation for relocation costs

 

361,184.0

361,184.0

 

Total

2,899,902.0

18,000,009.3

20,899,911.3

Source: Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021) 

From Table 5, it can be seen that the support funds for the two projects are relatively high, totaling 20,449,452.0 million VND. Project 1 received support funds of 2,887,694.0 million VND, including 2,876,750.0 million VND for job transition training and job creation, and 10,944.0 million VND for stabilizing living conditions. Project 2 received support funds of 17,561,758.0 million VND, including 17,340,142.0 million VND for job transition training and job creation, and 221,616.0 million VND for stabilizing living conditions. These support funds have partially addressed the difficulties for households to stabilize their lives after land recovery.

  1. Assessment by Residents and Officials on Compensation and Site Clearance

2.1. Residents’ Assessment of Compensation and Site Clearance

The survey results of 100 affected households, individuals, and organizations at the two projects show:

Regarding compensation, the general evaluation was reasonable with an average score of 3.99 points (lower than the study in Mai Sơn district, Sơn La province, which had an average score of 4.02) [4]. Among the criteria, 3 out of 7 were rated as very reasonable, 3 out of 7 were rated as reasonable, and the remaining criterion on compensation rates for crops and livestock was rated as average with a score of 3.34 points.

Table 6. Residents’ Assessment of Compensation and Support Implementation at the Two Research Projects

No.

Criteria

Very Reasonable

Reasonable

Neutral

Less Reasonable

Very Unreasonable

Average Score

1

Compensation

118

473

94

15

0

3.99

1.1

CSC plan formulated as per regulations

23

75

2

0

0

4.21

1.2

Identifying entities eligible for compensation

42

57

1

0

0

4.41

1.3

Determining compensation conditions

27

69

4

0

0

4.23

1.4

Compensation rates for land

0

81

15

4

0

3.77

1.5

Compensation rates for structures and buildings

6

80

12

2

0

3.9

1.6

Compensation rates for crops and livestock

0

41

52

7

0

3.34

1.7

Timely compensation payments

20

70

8

2

0

4.08

2

Support

21

77

188

14

0

3.35

2.1

Support for job transition and job creation

8

32

56

4

0

3.44

2.2

Support for stabilizing living and production conditions

7

20

68

5

0

3.29

2.3

Support for relocation costs

6

25

64

5

0

3.32

3

Results of compensation and site clearance

54

475

346

25

0

3.62

3.1

Transparency in implementation process

2

41

54

3

0

3.42

3.2

Transparency of compensation plans

9

53

38

0

0

3.71

3.3

Providing information about the project

4

35

53

8

0

3.35

3.4

Quality of information provided about the project

2

37

52

9

0

3.32

3.5

CSC plan formulated as per regulations

9

86

5

0

0

4.04

3.6

Implementation process compared to announcements

9

58

33

0

0

3.76

3.7

Participation of local authorities in the compensation plan

8

56

34

2

0

3.7

3.8

Participation of affected individuals in the compensation plan

7

45

45

3

0

3.56

3.9

Attitude of officials in the compensation process

4

64

32

0

0

3.72

 

The support activities were evaluated at an average level with an overall mean value of 3.35 points across three evaluation criteria. Support for stabilizing living and production conditions, job transition and job creation training, and relocation support scored 3.29 points, 3.44 points, and 3.32 points respectively. Households rated these areas as less suitable and very unsuitable, expressing concerns that job transition should not just involve new vocational training or funding for training, but also address where they would be employed after training, as they face challenges in transitioning careers and finding employment in their trained professions.

The implementation process for compensation and support (CS) at the two projects was rated good with an average score of 3.62 points. Among the criteria, 7 out of 9 were rated as good, while 2 out of 9 were rated as average, which were the provision of information about the project at 3.35 points, and the quality of the information provided about the project at 3.32 points.

2.2. Officials’ Assessment of Compensation and Support

The survey results of 30 public officials and civil servants show that 6 out of 9 criteria were rated as very good. The other 3 criteria—coordination with affected residents, site clearance progress, and residents’ understanding of land-related laws relevant to compensation and site clearance—were rated as good, with scores of 3.93, 4.1, and 3.63 points respectively.

Table 9. Officials’ Assessment of Compensation and Support Implementation at the researched 02 Projects

No.

Evaluation Criteria

Very Good

Good

Average

Poor

Very Poor

Average Score

1

Transparency of compensation plans

16

10

4

0

0

4.40

2

Implementation guidance documents

12

15

2

1

0

4.27

3

Implementation procedures of compensation plans

20

8

2

0

0

4.60

4

Dissemination of land recovery plans before implementation

11

15

4

0

0

4.23

5

Coordination among relevant agencies and social organizations

19

8

3

0

0

4.53

6

Coordination with affected residents

8

15

5

1

1

3.93

7

Results of compensation plan implementation

8

20

2

0

0

4.20

8

Site clearance progress

8

17

5

0

0

4.10

9

Residents’ understanding of relevant laws

6

11

10

2

1

3.63

2.3. General Assessment

The procedures for compensation and support (CS) at the projects have been carried out in accordance with regulations, ensuring the proper application of state policies. The identification of eligible entities and conditions for CS has been conducted clearly, transparently, and in compliance with regulations, without any incorrect or missing determinations of entities and conditions eligible for compensation. However, several issues remain:

(i) Land changes have not been updated in a timely manner, causing difficulties in identifying land origins, areas, and boundaries.

(ii) The organization responsible for compensation and site clearance at the local level is not stable, often involving part-time staff, with few dedicated officers whose expertise and professionalism in compensation and site clearance are limited.

(iii) There is still a gap between compensation rates and market prices due to the fluctuating nature of market conditions.

(iv) Job creation for those with recovered land is not well-addressed, primarily compensating with money, which poses challenges for those affected by land recovery in finding employment, especially for agricultural land recovery.

  1. Proposals for Solutions to Enhance the Effectiveness of Compensation and Site Clearance for State-Recovered Land at Transportation Projects in Thường Tín District

To address the aforementioned issues, the following comprehensive solutions should be implemented:

– Develop a complete and accurate land database, regularly monitor, and update land changes. Strengthen inspection and supervision of land management and use. Effectively prevent illegal land encroachment and inappropriate land use.

– Raise awareness and enhance dialogue between the government and residents. Increase community participation in implementing and compensating for site clearance (CSC).

– Regularly train and improve the professional skills of officers, civil servants, and public employees involved in compensation and site clearance to meet job requirements.

– Ensure the interests of all parties involved by adjusting and supplementing compensation rates according to the specific conditions of each region, each project, and at different times.

IV. CONCLUSION

The research results indicate that the compensation and site clearance (CSC) process for state-recovered land at transportation projects in Thường Tín District has been implemented according to the correct procedures and regulations. For the two research projects, the total recovered land area was 77,811.7 m², affecting 225 households and 5 organizations. The total compensation for land was 9,041,145.14 million VND, compensation for assets, structures, and crops on the land was 6,619,022 million VND, and support funds amounted to 20,899,911.3 million VND.

The survey results of affected individuals show that the compensation activities were rated as reasonable (average score of 3.99 points); support activities were rated as average (3.35 points); and the implementation process of CS at the two projects was rated as good (average score of 3.62 points). The survey of 30 public officials and civil servants shows that 6 out of 9 criteria were rated as very good, and 3 out of 9 criteria were rated as good.

The proposed solutions include effective land management practices, particularly land change registration; developing a land database; increasing public education on land-related laws relevant to compensation and CSC; improving the professional skills of staff; and reviewing and adjusting regulations related to compensation rates and support.

References

  1. Lê Huy Bá, Nguyễn Trọng Hùng, Thái Lê Nguyên, Huỳnh Lưu Trùng Phùng, Nguyễn Thị Trốn, Lê Đức Tuấn và Nguyễn Đinh Tuấn (2006). *Scientific Research Methods*. Vietnam National University Publishing House, Ho Chi Minh City.
  2. Hoàng Trọng và Chu Nguyễn Mộng Ngọc (2008). *Research Data Analysis with SPSS*. Statistics Publishing House, Hanoi.
  3. Likert R. (1932). *A Technique for the Measurement of Attitudes*. Archives of Psychology, Vol. 140, No. 55.
  4. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh, Hà Nam Linh, Vũ Thị Xuân, Nguyễn Bá Long (2023). *Journal of Forestry Science and Technology, No. 1 – 2023 (T158 -167)*.
  5. Thường Tín District Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2022). *Land Statistics Report 2022*.
  6. National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2013). *The 2013 Law on Land*. National Political Publishing House, Hanoi.
  7. Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2019, 2020, 2021). *Annual Report on Site Clearance Results for 2019, 2020, 2021 and Tasks for 2020, 2021, 2022*.
  8. Thường Tín District Land Fund Development Center (2022). *Report on Site Clearance Results for 2015 – 2022*.

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