Final article: New impetus for development

New milestone in the border area

February 6, 2024 (ie the 27th day of the Lunar New Year 2024) has become a special milestone for nearly 100 households in Tan Trach commune, the historical site of the Martyrs' Memorial Temple on Road 20 Quyet Thang and the center of Thuong Trach commune when they first used the national grid. For 318 households in 8 remote villages of Thuong Trach commune, due to limited project capital, complex mountainous terrain and far-flung population, the investor will deploy electricity supply in April.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Trach Commune, Dinh Cu, said that the power connection right before the traditional New Year has brought great joy to the people as well as new momentum in agencies and units. "On this occasion of Tet, people in villages and hamlets gathered to have a year-end meal together, wish a happy new year and strengthen the relationship between the village and the people under the bright light of the electricity grid", Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Trach Commune shared.

For the activities of the Party Committee and local government, connecting to the grid greatly supports the process of implementing work to ensure smooth operation. It is known that previously, with the use of solar power or generators, if the equipment malfunctioned or was damaged, administrative activities would also be interrupted. Now, the stability of the national grid will help administrative procedures run smoothly, update information and process documents effectively as well as closely connect with all levels and sectors.

*Border villages are ready for new development after the national grid is available. Photo: Khanh Trinh*

To prepare for the connection and supply of electricity to the villages, the local government has organized training sessions and instructions on electricity use in households. In particular, the commune People's Committee officials reminded the people to use electricity safely and effectively. At the same time, the local government is also developing plans to support a large number of circuit breakers for people across the commune to connect to the grid in the coming time.

Unable to hide his joy at being able to use the national grid, Mr. Dinh Thi, a Ma Coong ethnic (Khe Rung village, Thuong Trach commune) said: having electricity at home makes him and the villagers extremely happy. In the near future, in addition to being able to watch TV, the villagers will work hard and buy machinery to make agricultural production more productive and effective.

Expect comprehensive changes

Since the power grid was brought to the two communes, the local people and authorities have been excited, thinking about new development plans in the future. According to Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Trach Commune, Nguyen Truong Chinh, the locality currently has a 3-star OCOP product, which is dried bamboo shoots. With the expected connection of electricity to the remaining 8 villages next April, the goal of developing product quality and diversifying products will become much more feasible. "If previously, wild bamboo shoots could only be processed into dry finished products, when there is a stable power grid, purchasing units can develop further processing steps, invest in refrigerators to preserve fresh bamboo shoots or make pickled bamboo shoots," said Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Trach Commune.

In addition to bamboo shoots, the commune government is also developing plans for charcoal sticky rice, rattan and bamboo products, handicrafts, etc. The locality also hopes that the national grid will bring about changes in the cultural and educational sectors and further improve the spiritual life of the people. “On February 21, the commune kindergarten was connected to the grid. With the additional support of television to teach music, dance, etc., it will help children learn and develop faster,” said Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Trach Commune, Dinh Cu.

At Thuong Trach Commune Health Station, although still waiting to be connected to the national power grid, the doctors and nurses here are still very happy and hopeful. “I have worked here for nearly 6 years and have been looking forward to the day when the power grid will come to the village. Previously, the unstable power source made it difficult to operate some medical equipment. Having power grid will certainly make the work of examining and treating people much more convenient,” said Doctor Phan Van Nguy, Head of Thuong Trach Commune Health Station.

Investing in essential infrastructure to serve production and life in ethnic minority and mountainous areas is one of the 10 projects of the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas. The investment and completion of the project of supplying grid electricity to 2 communes in the core area of the World Natural Heritage Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park by Quang Binh province is of decisive significance for the development of the locality in the coming time. Along with the general development orientation of all levels of government, the solidarity of all classes of people, the source of energy from the grid will create momentum for growth so that the land of the Vietnam - Laos border area will soon wear a new coat.

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