Developer of non-regulation high-rise near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum fined over $4,500

The Ba Dinh People’s Committee has issued a decision to fine Le Truc Garment Joint Stock Company, the building’s investor, VND100 million ($4,510) for failing to construct the building in accordance with the construction license, said Nguyen Phong Cam, deputy chairman of the committee.

The high-rise, which includes a trade center, offices for lease and high-class apartments for sale, is located at 8B Le Truc Street, around 400 meters away from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The building, which remains under construction, has 19 floors above the ground and four basements.

It is now 69 meters in height, including 53 meters for the superstructure and 16 meters for the basements.

Compared to the license issued for the project by the Hanoi Department of Construction in March 2014, the building is 16 meters higher than the allowed level and its gross floor area is 6,900m² more than permitted.

Therefore, along with the fine, the company is required to make a plan to remove the offending 16-meter upper part of the construction, the committee said, adding that the plan must specify a schedule of demolition.

If the company fails to demolish the infringing structure, local authorities will carry out a forced removal and the company will bear all the related costs, the committee said.

The Department of Construction had earlier requested that the partial demolition must ensure safety for workers and people as well as other houses nearby, and meet standards on environmental protection.

The investor’s violations are serious, affecting the landscape of the area, the committee said, adding that competent agencies have repeatedly requested Le Truc to stop the construction but it neglected the request.

In a recent report to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung about the case, the capital authorities said they will handle it seriously and consider the responsibilities of any individuals and organizations involved.