Hanoi, July 21 -- As of July 19, a total of 266,511 makeshift and dilapidated houses across Vietnam have been eliminated with support from the government, according to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. Of these, 231,513 homes have been completed and handed over to residents, while construction is underway on an additional 34,998. The total figure reflects an increase of nearly 2,000 houses compared to the update provided on July 8. To accelerate progress, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on ministries, central agencies, and local authorities to take urgent and coordinated action to fulfil the national goal of doing away with all substandard housing by August 31, 2025. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring housing suppo...